Zubiri resigns as Senate president, Escudero takes over

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri emotionally resigned from his position on Monday, citing independence in leadership as the reason for his departure.

During his valedictory speech, Zubiri thanked his allies, including Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.

Following Zubiri's resignation, several of his close allies also announced their resignations in protest, including Senator Nancy Binay from her leadership roles in three committees and Senator Sonny Angara as chairman of the finance committee.

Senator Francis Escudero was immediately installed as the new Senate president after Zubiri's departure, with 15 senators signing a resolution supporting his leadership.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada clarified on Tuesday that the change in leadership was not influenced by outside forces but rather among colleagues within the chamber and assured the public of the Senate's independence.