Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is reportedly poised to regain the Senate presidency if a rumored leadership coup materializes this coming Monday.
According to multiple reports and sources, Zubiri is being floated to replace current Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
The development comes just days after a controversial shooting incident inside the Senate premises, which occurred amid the tension surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for crimes against humanity.
Dela Rosa has been named as a “co-perpetrator” alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte in the bloody war on drugs campaign, during which Dela Rosa served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief from 2016 to 2018.
Insiders indicate that Zubiri’s camp is working to secure a new 13-member majority bloc to support his reinstatement, with the goal of restoring order to an institution currently facing intense public scrutiny.
Cayetano only assumed the Senate presidency on Monday, May 11, after securing 13 votes to oust now-Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
Should Monday’s coup succeed, Cayetano will hold the record for the shortest term as Senate leader, lasting only one week.
Both Cayetano and Zubiri have yet to issue official statements on the matter.