Zubiri resigns as Senate president over support betrayal

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri acknowledged his ousting from the position of Senate president earlier this week, expressing disappointment over colleagues who initially promised support but later changed their stance.

Zubiri said he saw it coming as early as last Wednesday and felt heartbroken due to those who committed to be steadfast with him but eventually abandoned their support.

He emphasized that his resignation was prompted by stress and pressure from proposed timelines for economic Charter change approval and ongoing investigations into leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency documents.

Those who remained loyal to Zubiri until his resignation included Senators Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, and Sherwin Gatchalian.

Zubiri hopes that the new Senate President Francis Escudero will uphold the independence of the Senate and adhere to its rules without succumbing to pressure or making concessions.