Escudero admits starting plan to unseat Zubiri only few days ago

Newly-installed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero extols his predecessor Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for the achievements he accomplished, including reforms he instituted in the Senate, in his more than two years as the chief of the upper chamber. (Mark Pimentel/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines—  The plan to oust then-Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri only started last Thursday, May 16, his successor, Senator Francis Escudero, disclosed.

In an interview at the Senate on Tuesday, newly installed Senate President Escudero admitted initiating the move against Zubiri.

“Actually hindi ko alam kung saan n’ya nalaman ng Wednesday kasi Thursday pa lang unang may kinausap ako eh, so hindi ko alam kung sino ‘yung Wednesday,” he said.

(Actually, I don’t know where he got that last Wednesday because I only started talking to someone on Thursday.)

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

Escudero was reacting to Zubiri’s statement about learning of the coup plot against him on May 15.

“When I say sinimulan kong makipagusap dahil marami naman na at that time na may mga agam-agam,” the Senate chief added.

(When I say I started talking to someone is because many already had doubts at that time.)

But he refused to say the reasons why his colleagues had their misgivings on Zubiri’s leadership.

By Sunday, May 19, Escudero said his group already secured the number needed to replace Zubiri.

The following day, Escudero was elected Senate President after getting the support of 15 out of 24 senators following the resignation of Zubiri as the upper chamber’s top leader.

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

Escudero revealed that his group decided to no longer present the resolution signed by the 15 senators on the Senate floor since Zubiri opted to quit.

One of  Escudero’s supporters, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, even cried while Zubiri was giving his valedictory address on Monday. Dela Rosa was also photographed hugging Zubiri’s wife, Audrey.

“There was no need,” Escudero said regarding the presentation of the resolution.

The new Senate president explained that as in the past, the change in Senate leadership is always done through a “gentlemanly conduct.”

“So hindi na kailangan ng declaring vacant… wala ng ganun. Hindi naman seamless pero at least mapayapa at hindi magulo,” Escudero further said.

(So there was no need to declare [the position] vacant… there was  no need for it. It was not seamless but at least it was peaceful and not chaotic)