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Advocates Philippines
Senate Majority 'Solid, United, And Focused,' Zubiri Says Amid Leadership Rumors
Photo credit: Senator Migz Zubiri
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri sought to dispel speculation this week, stressing that the Senate’s ruling bloc remains “strong, united, and unflinching under Senate President Tito Sotto” as lawmakers press ahead with priority legislation.
His remarks follow days of chatter about possible leadership changes in the chamber, including talk of a potential term-sharing or power-sharing arrangement with Senator Loren Legarda in the future. The rumor mill intensified after Zubiri, while momentarily presiding over the session, light-heartedly referred to Legarda as “Madame President” before adjournment — a moment senators later described as harmless banter rather than a sign of a looming transition.
Several senators from both the majority and minority blocs have denied any imminent shakeup. Majority member Sen. JV Ejercito dismissed the Sotto-Legarda power-sharing talk as mere “lounge talk” with no serious challenge underway.
What’s Really Happening in the Senate
Earlier this month, the Senate majority blocked an attempt to unseat Senate President Sotto, reinforcing the view that he still holds solid support within the chamber.
Zubiri’s renewed emphasis on unity comes as the Senate navigates a packed agenda, including budget deliberations and key reform measures. He has also filed a bill seeking to reset the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to ensure residents have the opportunity to vote for their leaders and eventually align future elections with national schedules.
Meanwhile, Congress continues to face calls from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize transparency and accountability measures, including an anti-dynasty bill and reforms to the party-list and oversight systems.
Why Zubiri’s Comments Matter
Zubiri’s statements aim to redirect public attention away from leadership rumors and back to legislative work. With budget hearings, regional election reforms, and other priority bills on deck, he underscored that the Senate majority remains firmly behind Senate President Tito Sotto and focused on passing measures that address the needs of Filipinos.
His remarks follow days of chatter about possible leadership changes in the chamber, including talk of a potential term-sharing or power-sharing arrangement with Senator Loren Legarda in the future. The rumor mill intensified after Zubiri, while momentarily presiding over the session, light-heartedly referred to Legarda as “Madame President” before adjournment — a moment senators later described as harmless banter rather than a sign of a looming transition.
Several senators from both the majority and minority blocs have denied any imminent shakeup. Majority member Sen. JV Ejercito dismissed the Sotto-Legarda power-sharing talk as mere “lounge talk” with no serious challenge underway.
What’s Really Happening in the Senate
Earlier this month, the Senate majority blocked an attempt to unseat Senate President Sotto, reinforcing the view that he still holds solid support within the chamber.
Zubiri’s renewed emphasis on unity comes as the Senate navigates a packed agenda, including budget deliberations and key reform measures. He has also filed a bill seeking to reset the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to ensure residents have the opportunity to vote for their leaders and eventually align future elections with national schedules.
Meanwhile, Congress continues to face calls from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize transparency and accountability measures, including an anti-dynasty bill and reforms to the party-list and oversight systems.
Why Zubiri’s Comments Matter
Zubiri’s statements aim to redirect public attention away from leadership rumors and back to legislative work. With budget hearings, regional election reforms, and other priority bills on deck, he underscored that the Senate majority remains firmly behind Senate President Tito Sotto and focused on passing measures that address the needs of Filipinos.
Feb 5, 2026
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