Zubiri: Coup talks in Senate 'normal occurrence' before session breaks

Talks of change of leadership in the Senate is a "normal occurrence" every session break, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri said Wednesday.

Zubiri, who was ousted as Senate president in May, issued his remark following coup rumors against the one who replaced him, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

"Talagang may mga usap-usapang ganyan sa dulo ng mga session days bago mag-break. So it's a normal occurrence," Zubiri said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

(There are really talks like this before session breaks. So it's a normal occurrence.)

He even cited some instances during his leadership when coup rumors were floated before the session break.

"Noong ako po'y nakaupo bilang Senate President, noong Christmas break of 2023, may ganyan din na usap-usapan. Pagdating po ng February, ganoon din ang nangyari, may usap-usapan na ganoon. And, of course, you know, everything has its history, once we got back in April before the May break," he said.

(During my term as Senate President, there was also talk of that sort when we went on Christmas break in 2023. When we returned in February, the same thing happened - similar discussions took place. Of course, you know what happened when we got back in April before the May break.)

Yet despite the rumors, Zubiri said he has no knowledge about any attempts to oust Escudero.

"Wala naman akong nakitang papel, wala naman kumausap sa akin, wala naman akong napirmahan ng papel na request for leadership change. So as far as I'm concerned, that's all rumors at this point in time," Zubiri said.

(I didn't see any document, no one spoke to me, and I didn't sign any paper requesting a leadership change. As far as I'm concerned, at this point in time, it's all just rumors.)

"Sabi nga ni Senator Chiz, these are rumors until the numbers are shown to me. So, I'd rather not comment. I don't want to add fuel to the fire. Last day na namin today, we’d like to focus on the issues at hand, the bills at hand," he added.

(As Senator Chiz said, these are just rumors until he sees the numbers. So, I'd rather not comment. I don't want to add fuel to the fire. Today's our last day, and we'd like to concentrate on the pressing issues and the bills at hand.)

The Senate  is set to adjourn sessions from September 27 to November 3.

In an ambush interview, Escudero reiterated that the alleged coup attempts are "rumors until it happens."

He refused again to comment on a rumor which was denied by his fellow senators.

The Senate president reiterated that the Senate leadership "serves at the pleasure of the majority."

"We will remain here until we enjoy the confidence of the majority. It is that simple," he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News