Senator Migz Zubiri revealed that former Senate President Tito Sotto’s perceived strict leadership style may be hindering his chances of reclaiming the Senate’s top post in the upcoming 20th Congress.
Sotto is expected to challenge incumbent Senate President Chiz Escudero, who is reportedly gaining broader support among senators.
In a press briefing, Zubiri disclosed that several senators are hesitant to back Sotto due to concerns over his and Senator Ping Lacson’s leadership approach.
“There’s a lot of—I have a lot of privilege information. Yung mga kumakausap na sa akin na ganito, hindi magandang pakinggan [ang sinasabi] kaya hindi ko na lang babanggitin the reasons why they don’t want Tito Sen, why they don’t want Ping Lacson. Masyadong strikto, masyadong ano, kaya mahirap nang magsalita kasi ayoko namang maipit yung nagkwento sakin nito,” Zubiri shared.
He added that many lawmakers may be leaning toward Escudero in exchange for influential committee chairmanships.
“It’s more about accommodation. I think many were offered the best committees the Senate can offer,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri confirmed that he, along with Senators Ping Lacson and Loren Legarda, will back Sotto.
Meanwhile, Senator Lito Lapid is joining the so-called “veterans bloc” but has not yet committed to a preferred Senate President.