Zubiri says he’s taking a break from ‘nasty backstabbing’

MANILA, Philippines – After resigning from his post, former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he would be taking a three-week break from the “nasty stabbing” in Philippine politics.

With the support of 15 of 24 senators,  Senator Francis Escudero successfully wrested the Senate presidency from Zubiri, who  had to resign from the post.

Now out  of the Senate leadership, Zubiri said his family now deserves his undivided attention.

“Magbabakasyon muna ako kasama ng aking pamilya. I think they deserve my undivided attention at this point in time. At no cost to the government ito, it’s all personal yun aking pagbyahe kasama ng aking pamilya,”  he said in an interview  at the Senate on Wednesday.

(I’ll take a vacation first with my family. I think they deserve my undivided attention at this point in time. At no cost to the government, it’s all personal— my  trip with my family)

“Konting ‘me time’ konting emotional and mental break from all the politics and the nasty backstabbing na nangyayari dito sa pulitika natin sa Pilipinas,” he added.

(A little ‘me time,’ a little ‘emotional  and mental break’ from all the politics and the nasty backstabbing that is happening here in  our  politics in the Philippines.)

After  their vacation, Zubiri said  Solid 7 will regroup  to decide  on their direction under the new leadership in the Senate.

Solid 7 is composed of Zubiri, Senators Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay and Sherwin Gatchalian.

The  group was formed following  the  Senate leadership  change last May 20.

Asked how he was after the leadership shake-up, Zubiri  said he is happy and more relaxed now.

“We’re just looking forward to the next year or so to be able to pass legislation that is good for the people,” he said.