(ABS-CBN NEWS) MANILA — (UPDATED) Several senators on Monday denied alleged rumors of unseating Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri when Congress resumes session next month.
“Walang ganon na usapang magkakaroon ng kudeta dito sa Senado. The members of the majority are fully supportive of Senate President Migz Zubiri. There is no truth to that, wala namang ganong usapan,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said.
According to Estrada, no one has approached him regarding any supposed plan to shake up the Senate leadership.
“Walang kumakausap sa akin, at wala din akong kinakausap,” he stressed.
Sen. JV Ejercito also denied the rumor.
“No truth to that! Senators are very much satisfied with the leadership of Senate President Migz Zubiri,” Ejercito said.
“In all honesty, SP Migz’ shoes will be too big to fill, that’s why I don’t think anyone will even attempt to wrest the Senate’s leadership from him,” he added.
Senators Sonny Angara and Robin Padilla were also among those who denied the allegations, with the former saying Zubiri is “well liked.”
“Bagama’t ako ay bago lang na senador, ‘di ko naman nakitaan si [Zubiri] na may kakulangan siya. Wala akong nakikitang dapat baguhin ang leadership. Siguro ang mga beterano mayroon silang nakita pero ako, kuntento sa kanila,” Padilla said.
The former action star also added that Zubiri guided him as a neophyte senator, and described him as a “diplomatic” but also “strict” leader.
Padilla and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go also agreed that the Senate remains independent and “trust and support” its current leadership.
“We currently have a working and independent Senate with a very energetic and consultative leadership which has always made sure that every member is treated fairly and given the opportunity to be heard on matters regarding our function as senators of the Republic,” Go said in a statement.
When asked about the leadership talks, Zubiri just had a short response about it.
“I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues,” the Senate president said.
A similar rumor about Zubiri swirled earlier this year after the Palace allegedly grew unsatisfied with the Senate’s “low output.”