Zubiri touts leadership by consensus, shrugs off coup rumors

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has touted his leadership by consensus amid rumors that he would be replaced as leader of the chamber.

During the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, Zubiri dismissed rumors of a coup as baseless and that he is confident he has the support of his peers.

He said he is proud that he is regarded as “congenial” by his colleagues, as he tries his best to strike a consensus in the upper chamber.

He recalled previous Senate presidents who were strict at the plenary and who scolded senators in public.

But Zubiri said he would rather suspend session before reprimanding senators on the floor for being noisy or unruly.

As for the comments of former Senate presidents Frank Drilon and Vicente Sotto III calling him “too kind” and congenial, Zubiri said he respects the advice of those who served before him.

“I have no reaction. I highly respect and note their pieces of advice,” Zubiri said.

But because of comments about him being “Mr. Congeniality,” Zubiri said he will strive to be “more assertive.”

He said being Senate President is still up to the decision of his peers if they still want him to lead them.

“I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues. They can take me out if they don’t want me anymore. Being Senate President means having one foot in, one foot out,” Zubiri said.