Zubiri says Escudero to replace him as Senate president

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero will replace Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri as Senate president, according to Zubiri himself.

Interviewed by Super Radyo dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo on Monday, Zubiri answered in the affirmative when asked if Escudero will be his replacement as Senate chief.

"Yes. Well, nakakalungkot ginawa ko lahat para protektahan ang independensya ng Senado pero ganon talaga ang pulitika. Wala tayong magagawa," Zubiri said shortly before announcing his resignation as Senate chief on the floor.

"Well, alam mo I've been protecting the independence ng institution. Siguro merong ayaw ng ganon at gusto nila ay maging ano lang po tayo sunud-sunuran," he added.

(Yes, well, it's sad because I did everything to protect the independence of the Senate, but that's politics. We can't do anything about it. You know, I've been protecting the independence of the institution. Maybe somebody didn't want it that way.)

In another interview, Zubiri said he is "heartbroken" with the developments.

"Siyempre heartbroken. Alam mo naman hindi naman tayo kalaban ng the powers that lead. Pero siguro dahil not following instructions, kaya nadali tayo. But I will always continue to remain in support of the independence of the Senate and I will now give my valedictory speech... It is my distinct honor and pleasure to have served the Filipino people as Senate President," he said. 

(Of course I am heartbroken. I am not an enemy to the powers that lead. But perhaps for not following instructions I was hit.)

Valedictory speech

In his valedictory speech, Zubiri said he will be an independent member of the Senate.

"I have given this job my all...Today, I offer my resignation as Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines, and upon stepping down I vow to serve as an independent member of the Senate—my allegiance, as ever, belonging to no one but the people," Zubiri said in his speech.

"I have never dictated my position to any of you, and I always supported your independence—which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be," he added.

"We have been a staunchly independent Senate. Let me say that again, we have been a staunchly independent Senate holding strong against all threats against our institution, and against threats to the very foundation of democracy on which our nation is built," he said.

'Numbers'

Escudero replacing Zubiri as Senate president was also confirmed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada in a separate interview.
  
"He has the numbers," Estrada said when asked if Escudero will be the new Senate president

In a Viber message to GMA News Online, Senator Sonny Angara confirmed the information that there are 15 senators who will vote for the replacement of Zubiri.

The support of at least 13 senators are needed to replace the Senate president. 

Rumors of Zubiri getting replaced circulated over the weekend due to his supposed failure to stop the Senate investigation on "PDEA leaks," which linked President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano to illegal drugs.

To formalize a change of leadership, a motion should be raised during the plenary session then the senators should vote who will be installed as the new Senate president, Senate president pro tempore and the majority leader. —KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News