Zubiri quits as Senate President: ‘I leave with my head held high’

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (2nd from left) poses for a photo with Senators (left to right) JV Ejercito, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, and Joel Villanueva before confirming the move to remove him from the Senate leadership on Monday, May 20, 2024. Photo taken at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City. Maila Ager/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday resigned from his post, ending coup rumors that hounded his two-year leadership in the upper chamber.

“Today, I offer my resignation as Senate President, and upon stepping down I vow to serve as an independent member of the Senate—my allegiance, as ever, belonging to no one but the people,” he said in a privilege speech.

“I leave with my head held high, knowing I did what is right for the Senate and for the nation,” he added.

READ: Chiz Escudero is new Senate President; Miguel Zubiri out

Under his leadership, Zubiri touted how the Senate protected the institution and the country’s people and democracy.

“I have never dictated my position to any of you, and I always supported your independence—which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be,” he said.

“I fought the good fight. If I have ruffled some feathers in doing so, if I have upset the powers that be, then so be it.” he further said

READ: Zubiri says coup rumors vs him due to his Cha-cha stance

In an interview with reporters before the session, Zubiri indicated that he lost his post probably for not following orders.

“Hindi naman siguro tayo kalaban ng  powers that be pero siguro dahil not following instructions kaya nadali tayo,” the senator said.

(Maybe we’re not an enemy of the powers that be, but maybe because we’re not following instructions that’s why.)

He did not elaborate, even when asked if the ongoing investigation into alleged leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency documents had something to do with his removal as Senate’s top leader.

“Kasama na dun lahat (That includes everything),” Zubiri simply said.

In another interview, he said he was saddened with what happened, noting he did everything to protect the Senate’s autonomy.

“Pero ganun talaga ang pulitika, wala tayong magagawa,” Zubiri said.

(But that’s just how politics is, there’s nothing we can do about it.)

Following Zubiri’s resignation, Senator Francis Escudero was immediately installed as the new Senate president.

Zubiri’s allies also announced their resignations from their posts: Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito.

Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, vacated her post as head of upper chamber three committees – accounts, ethics, and tourism – while Senator Sonny Angara resigned as chairman of the committee on finance, and subcommittee on constitutional amendments.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada replaced Legarda as Senate President Pro Tempore while Senator Francis Tolentino took the posts previously held by Villanueva as Majority Leader and concurrent chairman of the Senate committee on rules.

Senator Alan Cayetano, on the other hand, was elected as new chairman of the committee on accounts.