In a major political realignment moments before the Senate convened as an impeachment court, Senators Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and JV Ejercito officially associated themselves with the minority bloc on Monday, May 18.
The sudden shift alters the chamber’s dynamics just as lawmakers begin deliberations on the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. With Zubiri and Ejercito moving across the aisle, the Senate configuration now stands at 13 senators in the majority and 11 in the minority. Out of the 24-member chamber, only Duterte ally Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was absent during the Monday plenary session.
Both Zubiri and Ejercito had previously abstained from voting during last week’s Senate leadership shake-up, which saw Duterte-allied senators install Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate President.
Addressing the plenary, Zubiri defended his prior abstention and clarified his permanent stance for the upcoming proceedings.
“I would like to be associated with the minority. Binatikos nga ako nila, sabi nila ako’y nagfe-fence sitting, nag-abstain. Nag-abstain lang ako para I have a free hand on each issue that is important for the Filipino but when it comes to the organization, I would like to associate myself with the minority,” Zubiri announced.
(“I would like to be associated with the minority. They criticized me, saying I was fence-sitting because I abstained. I only abstained so that I have a free hand on each issue that is important for the Filipino but when it comes to the organization, I would like to associate myself with the minority.”)
Ejercito similarly declined an offer from the new leadership to take up the mantle of Senate Majority Leader, choosing instead to align with the minority.
“For now I’ll be with the minority, but I would like to thank you for the respect,” Ejercito told Senate President Cayetano.
The two lawmakers were seen conferring with members of the minority bloc ahead of the 3:00 p.m. session, signaling a consolidated opposition force as the high-stakes impeachment trial begins.