Migz Zubiri ousted as Senate pres, Bato Dela Rosa regrets vote

Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri expressed his shock and heartbreak on Tuesday after learning that Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa had backed his ouster as Senate President despite previously supporting him.

Zubiri admitted that defending Dela Rosa during the investigation into leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency documents cost him his leadership position in the Senate, saying he felt dumbfounded by the turn of events.

Dela Rosa acknowledged voting for Francis Escudero's presidency but claimed it was insignificant since the majority decision had already been reached; however, he admitted feeling some guilt over the PDEA leaks probe being seen as a reason behind the leadership change.

Escudero succeeded Zubiri as Senate President on Monday after securing 15 votes in an independent campaign.

Zubiri warned Dela Rosa earlier to stop using Senate hearings for political persecution but failed to prevent the probe into alleged PDEA leaks involving President Marcos Jr., which he believed contributed to his ouster.