Zubiri moves to minority; Ejercito rejects Cayetano's majority offer

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has joined the Senate minority bloc on Monday, May 18, while Sen. JV Ejercito declined Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s offer to become majority leader as the chamber continued to settle its ranks after last week’s shakeup.

The moves came Monday, May 18, as senators underwent another round of reorganization—but minor this time—under the Cayetano-led Senate. He was installed after a powergrab of Duterte-aligned senators forming a new majority, pushing out then-Senate President Tito Sotto.

Zubiri last week abstained voting for either Cayetano or Sotto and preferred to remain "independent." But at the session on Monday, he pushed back on criticisms over that decision.

"I only abstained so that I would have a free hand to vote on issues that I think are important for the Filipino people. But when it comes to the reorganization, I would like to associate myself with the minority," Zubiri said.

Ejercito then rose on the Senate floor to clarify his affiliation, saying Cayetano had offered him the majority leader post despite remaining "independent" but that he was turning it down.

"I thank Mr. [Senate] President for the trust and confidence. I was offered to become Majority Leader, but as of this time, I would rather remain independent," Ejercito said during Monday’s plenary session.

"Thank you for the trust. Being a majority leader is one of the most powerful positions in the Senate," he added.

Ejercito later told reporters he would be joining the minority bloc.

On May 11, Cayetano was elected new Senate leader with 13 votes, including that of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, who had resurfaced at the Senate to back the new leadership.

The realignment on Monday also came as the Senate convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, adding political weight to the chamber’s majority-minority divide.

The updated blocs leave the Cayetano-led majority with 13 senators and the minority with 11. — with John Marwin Elao