At least 14 senators have recently signed a manifesto expressing their unwavering support for Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, amidst swirling rumors of a potential coup. This show of solidarity comes as a testament to Zubiri’s leadership and the stability he has brought to the Senate.
The manifesto has been signed by prominent senators such as Senate President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Mary Grace Poe, Francis Tolentino, Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo, and Mark Villar. Zubiri himself has also signed the document, reaffirming his commitment to his role as Senate President.
However, it is worth noting that not all senators have signed the manifesto. The eight senators who did not sign are Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Alan Peter Cayetano, Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano, Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, and Cynthia Villar. Additionally, two senators, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd and Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, who belong to the minority bloc, have also not signed the manifesto.
In the manifesto, the 14 supporting senators emphasized their unwavering commitment to Zubiri’s leadership, highlighting how he has upheld the dignity and independence of the Senate as one of the nation’s greatest defenders of democracy. They praised Zubiri’s consensus-building and consultative leadership style, which has fostered a sense of harmony within the Senate, making it one of the most cohesive in recent history.
The senators commended Zubiri’s decisive handling of the contentious issue surrounding the people’s initiative, which the Senate opposed due to its push for a joint voting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. They recognized his ability to shape the direction of the Senate not through authoritarianism but through the wisdom of a true leader—one who listens and builds bridges of trust and cooperation.
The manifesto also addressed the current challenges faced by the Senate, highlighting the need for a leader like Zubiri who is untainted by corruption or conflict-of-interest. The senators expressed concerns that attempts to discredit the Senate could lead to proposals that would render the institution irrelevant. Therefore, they emphasized the importance of rallying behind a leader who can navigate these challenges with integrity and steadfastness.
Senator Imee Marcos, in response to the rumors of a coup, expressed her surprise at the pressure to replace Zubiri, noting that the rumors predominantly originated from the House of Representatives rather than the Senate itself. She questioned why there was a focus on replacing Zubiri when the Speaker of the House remained unchallenged. Marcos firmly stated her support for Zubiri and dismissed the rumors surrounding a potential coup.
It is important to note that ousting a Senate President requires at least 13 votes, making it a challenging feat. While there were reports of certain groups advocating for Senator Jinggoy Estrada, a senior senator, to replace Zubiri, Estrada himself dismissed these rumors and expressed his respect for Zubiri’s leadership.
In conclusion, the manifesto of support for Senate President Zubiri signifies the unity and confidence of the 14 senators who have signed it. Their unwavering support for Zubiri’s leadership and the stability he has brought to the Senate is a testament to his consensus-building approach and commitment to upholding the dignity and independence of the institution. Despite rumors of a potential coup, the senators stand firm in their belief that Zubiri is the right leader to guide the Senate through the challenges it faces, ensuring its continued relevance in the nation’s democratic processes.
Source: The Manila Times