Zubiri bloc balks at joining minority after his ouster as Senate president | ABS-CBN
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Zubiri bloc balks at joining minority after his ouster as Senate president
Zubiri bloc balks at joining minority after his ouster as Senate president
MANILA — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has rejected the prospect of joining the political opposition after his ouster as Senate president.
MANILA — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has rejected the prospect of joining the political opposition after his ouster as Senate president.
The Senate minority has only two members — Sens. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Risa Hontiveros.
The Senate minority has only two members — Sens. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Risa Hontiveros.
Zubiri told media he is actually saddened by the apparent dissolution of the so-called UniTeam of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte, the tandem that swept the 2022 elections.
Zubiri told media he is actually saddened by the apparent dissolution of the so-called UniTeam of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte, the tandem that swept the 2022 elections.
"Bakit naman ako mag-opposition? I entered 2022 as part of the UniTeam. ‘Yun nga lang sabi ko ay nalulungkot po dahil parang nabubuwag na nga yung UniTeam but, as far as I'm concerned, I’ll still be assisting the president in legislation that needs to be done for our country,” he said.
"Bakit naman ako mag-opposition? I entered 2022 as part of the UniTeam. ‘Yun nga lang sabi ko ay nalulungkot po dahil parang nabubuwag na nga yung UniTeam but, as far as I'm concerned, I’ll still be assisting the president in legislation that needs to be done for our country,” he said.
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(Why would I join the opposition? I entered 2022 as part of the UniTeam. But I am saddened that it seems to have been dissolved but as far as I'm concerned, I’ll still be assisting the president in legislation that needs to be done for our country.)
(Why would I join the opposition? I entered 2022 as part of the UniTeam. But I am saddened that it seems to have been dissolved but as far as I'm concerned, I’ll still be assisting the president in legislation that needs to be done for our country.)
Vice President Duterte resigned from the Cabinet on June 19, almost a month after Zubiri was replaced by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero after months of rumors of a leadership change.
Vice President Duterte resigned from the Cabinet on June 19, almost a month after Zubiri was replaced by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero after months of rumors of a leadership change.
Duterte's resignation prompted talk of a new "leader of the opposition" as UniTeam splintered, but the vice president has rejected the label.
Duterte's resignation prompted talk of a new "leader of the opposition" as UniTeam splintered, but the vice president has rejected the label.
Zubiri, who is senator until 2028, says he would like to continue helping President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr in achieving his goals as he explained he and his allies — Sens. Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay and Loren Legarda are inclined to take an independent stance instead of joining the Senate minority.
Zubiri, who is senator until 2028, says he would like to continue helping President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr in achieving his goals as he explained he and his allies — Sens. Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay and Loren Legarda are inclined to take an independent stance instead of joining the Senate minority.
"Wala pa kami final decision pero parang we're leaning towards more independent, an independent bloc,"" Zubiri said, adding Escudero has nothing to worry about.
"Wala pa kami final decision pero parang we're leaning towards more independent, an independent bloc,"" Zubiri said, adding Escudero has nothing to worry about.
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(We don't have a final decision yet but we're leaning towards a more independent, independent bloc)
(We don't have a final decision yet but we're leaning towards a more independent, independent bloc)
"Definitely ‘di naman kami magiging obstructionist. Ako mismo kilala niyo ako, trabahador ako ng Senado. Bakit ako magiging obstructionist? I want to be helpful to the administration,” he said.
"Definitely ‘di naman kami magiging obstructionist. Ako mismo kilala niyo ako, trabahador ako ng Senado. Bakit ako magiging obstructionist? I want to be helpful to the administration,” he said.
(We will definitely not be obstructionist. You know me, I'm the hard worker of the Senate. Why would I be obstructionist?)
(We will definitely not be obstructionist. You know me, I'm the hard worker of the Senate. Why would I be obstructionist?)
Zubiri also explained they do not want to complicate matters for Gatchalian and Angara.
Zubiri also explained they do not want to complicate matters for Gatchalian and Angara.
Gatchalian's brother Rex is secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development while Zubiri is among the senators backing Angara as Duterte's replacement at the Department of Education.
Gatchalian's brother Rex is secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development while Zubiri is among the senators backing Angara as Duterte's replacement at the Department of Education.
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Although department secretaries are appointed by the President, appointees will also need to go through confirmation hearings before the congressional Commission on Appointments.
Although department secretaries are appointed by the President, appointees will also need to go through confirmation hearings before the congressional Commission on Appointments.
Members of Congress have traditionally endorsed the appointments of incumbent and former legislators.
Members of Congress have traditionally endorsed the appointments of incumbent and former legislators.
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