Senate presidency: Veterans open to backing dark horse

MANILA, Philippines — The so-called veteran bloc of Sen. Vicente Sotto III is open to supporting a “dark horse” candidate for the Senate presidency amid talks that the camp of Sen. Francis Escudero has secured a 13-vote majority among senators in the 20th Congress, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said yesterday.

“For now, we are open to another third force,” Zubiri said. “There could be a dark horse who wants to step up. We are willing to support as long as he can promise transparency and integrity in the Senate – that’s what’s important, and following the rules, laws, tradition of the Senate.”

Zubiri said that while Escudero’s allies may have the numbers for now, nothing is final until the Senate convenes and votes.

“Never say die. We are not surrendering at this point in time,” he said.

While not actively campaigning for the Senate leadership himself, Zubiri said he continues to back former Senate president Sotto, citing his experience and consultative leadership style.

The “veteran bloc” comprises Sotto, Zubiri and Senators Panfilo Lacson and Loren Legarda.

“What I like about Sotto is he believes in consensus-building, not a dictator. Sotto’s style is – let’s get inside, have a debate and then we come up with consensus. That’s what I like about him, we know the direction of the Senate,” he said.

But he admitted Sotto’s chances of becoming the next Senate chief have become slim.

“As all the pronouncement of my friends from the other side, they have the numbers. But anything can happen, like-minded senators will be together,” he said.

Risa all alone?

Now that Sen. Risa Hontiveros is reportedly “alone” as Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan – whom she campaigned for during the 2025 senatorial elections – are allegedly aligning themselves with the Escudero-led majority so they can bag their desired Senate committee chairmanships, Zubiri said the veterans would welcome her in their bloc.

“You know I pity Senator Risa. I pity her. She campaigned vigorously for her candidates, and declared she would form an independent bloc, and now she’s alone. I heard she’s alone, I cannot confirm nor deny this,” he added.

“She’s most welcome to join us. Although we have a divergent… I’d say position on some issues because she’s more left side and we’re more on the conservative side,” Zubiri pointed out. “But when it comes to transparency we’re on the same boat, when it comes to abuse of authority we’re one in standing up to it. We welcome her to join us, we’ll adopt her even if she doesn’t want to be adopted.”

Pangilinan remains mum on the issue, but suggested he was still discussing things with Hontiveros, who earlier said she wanted to vie for the Senate minority leadership with his and Aquino’s backing. “Let’s wait for July 28,” Pangilinan told reporters. Aquino has not yet responded to queries.

Meanwhile, Zubiri admitted his dissatisfaction with how the current Senate is being run, pointing to issues involving the national budget, transparency and internal decision-making. With Escudero’s numbers, he said he now considers himself part of the minority bloc.

“We’ve accepted it. I will end my career as minority,” he added.

Supermajority for Chiz

For Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Escudero’s backers – reportedly “now more than 13” – comprise a “supermajority” in the chamber.

“We have enough numbers – more than 13 I suppose and I think Senate President Escudero is already secured in his term as Senate president (in the 20th Congress),” Estrada said.

While there are still two weeks left before the 20th Congress resumes, he believes the numbers are stable.

“Anything can still happen. Well, they signed already. I hope they don’t change their mind,” he said.

He also said Sen. Joel Villanueva is likely to assume the role of majority leader, a post he held before the ouster of Zubiri as Senate president last year. Villanueva mentioned last week that he was supporting Escudero.

He said neophyte Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is reportedly eyeing the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon committee, but also did not confirm whether he was backing Escudero.

Estrada declined to comment when asked if the Duterte bloc – Senators Marcoleta, Robinhood Padilla, Imee Marcos, Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa – were among the 13.

He also dismissed Zubiri’s remarks that none of the senators within the veteran bloc had been approached for chairmanships, saying in Filipino: “They’re not supporting Chiz anyway, maybe that’s why they’re not approached.”

Akbayan, LP: Libanan as minority leader

Meanwhile, the Akbayan party-list and the Liberal Party have issued a joint manifesto endorsing 4Ps Rep. Marcelino Libanan as minority leader in the 20th Congress.

In their joint manifesto, the Akbayan and LP lawmakers cited Libanan’s “unwavering integrity, proven legislative competence and steadfast commitment to public service” as key reasons for their decision to endorse him.

They emphasized Libanan’s extensive experience across both the legislative and executive branches of government, saying he “embodies the values of transparency, accountability and inclusive governance – principles essential to a strong and responsible minority bloc.”

“With confidence in his ability to lead with honor, wisdom and dedication,” the manifesto declared, “we affirm our collective support for Rep. Libanan as minority leader.”

A lawyer by profession, Libanan served for nine years as the representative of the lone congressional district of Eastern Samar, during which he chaired the House committee on justice. — Miriam Desacada