The power struggle in the Philippine Senate appears far from over, as more political shifts emerge ahead of the 20th Congress.
During a visit to Kabankalan, Negros Occidental on July 1, Senator Migz Zubiri confirmed the formation of a “veterans bloc” in the Senate.
According to Zubiri, the group will include Senators Loren Legarda, Ping Lacson, and former Senate President Tito Sotto.
Zubiri also revealed that he, Legarda, and Lacson are throwing their support behind Sotto’s bid to reclaim the Senate presidency, citing frustrations with current Senate President Chiz Escudero’s leadership.
“If you ask me, I want a Senate leader who protects the institution’s integrity and traditions,” Zubiri said.
“I don’t want a dictatorial type of leader. I don’t want the Senate to resemble other chambers where one person dictates everything. If you ask me if I am satisfied, I am not.”
Zubiri previously held the Senate presidency from 2022 until he was ousted in a leadership coup in 2024 that installed Escudero as the chamber’s head.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros has signaled her willingness to serve as Senate Minority Leader.
While she initially floated the idea of forming an “independent minority” bloc with allies Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, Hontiveros now says joining the official minority is the more practical path forward.
“Even if it’s my dream for us to become the minority, I think it’s more realistic—just based on the numbers—for me to be part of an independent bloc, or simply to serve as an independent senator,” she said.
Sources indicate that Hontiveros, Aquino, and Pangilinan all back Sotto’s return as Senate President, though it remains unclear whether Aquino and Pangilinan will join the minority bloc with Hontiveros.
The Senate is set to convene on July 28, alongside the House of Representatives, for the opening of the 20th Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.