Zubiri, Hontiveros named deputy minority leaders

Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros have been appointed as the two deputy minority leaders in the Senate.

Senate President Francis Escudero agreed to the appointment of an additional deputy minority leader to accommodate the expanded Senate minority bloc, which now numbers five members.

The minority bloc has nearly tripled in size, a significant increase from the two members in the 19th Congress, prompting the amendment of rules to allow for two deputy minority leaders.

Zubiri joined the minority bloc after supporting Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III’s bid for Senate President against Escudero.

Sotto, who received five votes in the Senate President election, automatically becomes the new minority leader.

The minority bloc is comprised of Senators Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Neophyte Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been elected chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, taking over from Senator Pia Cayetano.