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Advocates Philippines
Zubiri Joins Senate Minority; Ejercito Turns Down Majority Leader Post
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri officially joined the Senate minority bloc on Monday following the leadership shakeup that installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President.
During a manifestation on the Senate floor, Zubiri said he wanted to align himself with the minority after abstaining from the recent Senate reorganization vote.
The senator also responded to criticism accusing him of “fence-sitting,” explaining that his abstention was meant to give him flexibility in deciding issues he believes are important for Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito revealed that he declined Cayetano’s offer to become Senate majority leader, saying he preferred to remain independent for now.
Ejercito thanked Cayetano for the trust and described the majority leader position as one of the Senate’s most influential posts, but said he believes he can better focus on his priorities outside the leadership role.
“For now,” Ejercito said, he would also align with the minority bloc.
Cayetano said he respected Ejercito’s decision and stressed that political alignments inside the Senate would not affect personal friendships among lawmakers.
The latest developments further reshape the balance of power in the Senate of the Philippines following its recent leadership transition.
During a manifestation on the Senate floor, Zubiri said he wanted to align himself with the minority after abstaining from the recent Senate reorganization vote.
The senator also responded to criticism accusing him of “fence-sitting,” explaining that his abstention was meant to give him flexibility in deciding issues he believes are important for Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito revealed that he declined Cayetano’s offer to become Senate majority leader, saying he preferred to remain independent for now.
Ejercito thanked Cayetano for the trust and described the majority leader position as one of the Senate’s most influential posts, but said he believes he can better focus on his priorities outside the leadership role.
“For now,” Ejercito said, he would also align with the minority bloc.
Cayetano said he respected Ejercito’s decision and stressed that political alignments inside the Senate would not affect personal friendships among lawmakers.
The latest developments further reshape the balance of power in the Senate of the Philippines following its recent leadership transition.
May 18, 2026
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