Zubiri amid coup rumors: No need for loyalty check

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday expressed confidence that he still has the trust and confidence of his colleagues in leading the chamber amid rumors of a leadership change.

For Zubiri, a  loyalty check among his colleagues is not necessary after several senators dismissed the alleged coup against him.

“No need,” Zubiri said when asked at the Kapihan sa Senado if there is a need for a loyalty check.

The Senate chief reiterated that he serves at the pleasure of his colleagues, and they can have him replaced if they want to.

“Kung ayaw nila sa akin [If they don't want me], they can take me out. Kung happy pa sila sa akin [If they are happy with me], they can keep me as long as they need me but I'm very honored to serve my colleagues,” Zubiri said.

“I don’t want to sound presumptuous, Ako lang, I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues, we all do.  [A] leadership position is at the pleasure of the majority,” he added.

Zubiri also noted that every Senate president has his own style of leadership.

“There were Senate presidents in the past that ruled with an iron hand. There’s [a] Senate president in the past that ruled purely on legalities. I have a different style of [leadership]. I always seek the consensus of my colleagues and I’m a consultative leader and I think mas natutuwa po sila d’yan… lalo na ‘yung mga bago [they will be happier, specially the new ones],” he said.

While he has no idea where the rumors are coming from, Zubiri said these hearsays are usual during session breaks. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News