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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Veterans bloc open to supporting a 'third force' in the Senate leadership - Zubiri

Veterans bloc open to supporting a 'third force' in the Senate leadership - Zubiri

Published Jul 7, 2025 03:55 pm
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said that their so-called “veterans bloc” or “conscience bloc” is still open to supporting the possibility of a third force or a dark horse that may rise up to vie for the Upper Chamber's leadership.
Senators of the so-called
Senators of the so-called "veteran bloc" or "conscience bloc" composed of Seantors Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, and Loren Legarda. (Photos from MB, Senate PRIB)
“If there's a dark horse that will come out that's not necessarily us four, we're willing to support,” Zubiri said during the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Monday, July 7.
“Basta ang ipangako lang niya ay transparency at integridad ng Senado. Yan ang mahalaga (As long as he or she promises transparency and integrity in the Senate, that’s what matters),” he added.
Zubiri belongs to the faction composed of Senators Vicente Tito Sotto III, Panfilo Ping Lacson, and Loren Legarda.
He mentioned this amid pronouncements that there are favorable numbers to retain Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the Senate leader.
“Edi wow! Congratulations kung ganon (I guess, wow, congratulations, if that's the case),” he said when asked for his reaction to this.
Zubiri also stated that they're prepared to be part of the minority and even said that they're more than welcome to accept Sen. Risa Hontiveros despite having divergent positions on some issues.
He also said he feels bad about Hontiveros, who actively campaigned for some of senators but is now left alone.
“Kampanya siya nang kampanya para sa kanyang mga kandidato. Tapos sabi niya gagawa siya ng sarili niya bloke, yung independent bloc. Eh ngayon, mag-isa lang siya (She kept campaigning for her candidates. Then she said she would form his own bloc, the independent bloc. But now, she’s all alone),” Zubiri said.
Last Saturday, July 5, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said Senators Paolo “Bam Aquino IV and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan were “likely” to align with the majority bloc supporting Escudero.
In a separate interview on Monday, July 7, Estrada said that Pangilinan would most likely lead the Senate Committee on Agriculture while Aquino would chair the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
He reiterated that there are more than 13 senators behind Escudero, which, according to him, can be called a supermajority.
Like Zubiri, Estrada stated that a lot can still happen before July 28, the opening of the first regular session.

Related Tags

Migz Zubiri Tito Sotto Loren Legarda ping lacson Senate leadership
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