Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has declared his alignment with the minority bloc in the Senate, as the upper chamber undergoes a continuing reorganization. Zubiri explained that he abstained in a recent vote to maintain a free hand in deciding on issues important to the Filipino people. 'I abstained so I have a free hand to vote on which issue that I think is important for the Filipino people. But when it comes to the organization, I would like to associate myself with the minority,' Zubiri said.
Ejercito Maintains Independence
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito stated that he will remain independent in the Senate, despite expressing gratitude for the trust shown by the chamber’s leadership. 'As of this time I would rather maintain my independence and with what is happening all over, I think I will be able to perform my tasks very well and my pet programs very well as an independent,' Ejercito declared. He acknowledged that being majority leader is one of the most powerful positions in the Senate but prefers to maintain his independent status for now.
Senate Respects Individual Decisions
The presiding officer affirmed that the Senate will respect each senator's decision to join the majority, minority, or remain independent. During the session, the issue of proportional representation in committee membership was also discussed, including the composition of the Senate Committee on Rules and its ex-officio members. Later, the Senate referred the Articles of Impeachment to the Committee on Rules before a motion was filed to bring them to the Impeachment Court. The session was suspended to allow the Senate to convene as an Impeachment Court.
