Despite reports that Senator Chiz Escudero has already secured enough support for re-election as Senate President, Senator Migz Zubiri said he remains hopeful for a possible upset before the opening of the 20th Congress on July 28.
Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Maynila” forum on Monday, July 7, Zubiri said that while Escudero’s allies claim they have more than the required 13 signatures to secure the post, things can still change in the coming weeks.
“We’re not saying it’s a done deal—although in terms of signatures, I think it is. A lot have already signed the resolution; I believe they have over 13 now. But anything can still happen between now and July 28,” said Zubiri.
“We are not surrendering at this point in time.”
Zubiri admitted that former Senate President Tito Sotto, their bloc’s presumptive bet, may have slim chances of winning.
He also revealed that some senators are hesitant to join their “veterans bloc” due to Senator Ping Lacson’s perceived strictness.
Currently, Zubiri, Lacson, Sotto, and Senator Loren Legarda form the bloc, which Zubiri says is open to becoming the Senate minority if Escudero secures the leadership.