THE “Solid 7” consists of senators who did not support the removal of former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri from his position.
These senators include Nancy Binay, Loren Legarda, Win Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, Sonny Angara, and Joel Villanueva.
“Sometimes it’s sad because you hear apologies with excuses, people apologizing while saying all sorts of things, it’s something we can’t avoid, sometimes it’s okay but is that really the case?” said Sen. Joel Villanueva, Former Majority Floor Leader.
Despite their grievances, Sen. Villanueva mentioned that their group is open to a dialogue with the new Senate President, Chiz Escudero.
He also noted that four of their members are considering joining the Minority Bloc of the Senate, where they can serve as additional fiscalizers.
Senators Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, and Migz Zubiri have already expressed the possibility of switching from majority to minority.
“Again, at the end of the day, our bottom line here is where we can be more effective in helping the institution, our country, and our people. Because having more fiscalizers is important,” said Villanueva.
Villanueva emphasized that it’s time to move on since they all understand the political game.
However, he also stressed that Zubiri’s statement in his speech about the “powers that be” behind his ousting, who also installed Senator Chiz as the Senate President, is not to be taken lightly.
“Let’s move forward. It is what it is. We are all seasoned politicians. We know the name of the game. We are not groping in the dark, nor are Zubiri’s remarks about the “powers that be” baseless because two senators in our group mentioned they received calls,” he added.
SP Chiz urges Zubiri not to lower Senate’s banner
Senate President Chiz Escudero appealed to Zubiri not to lower the Senate’s banner regarding the alleged interference of Malacañang in the Senate.
This follows Zubiri’s statement that external forces intervened, leading to the leadership change on May 20, 2024.
“As a former Senate President, I hope he upholds and does not lower the Senate’s banner by making such statements. Malacañang has no vote in the 24-member Senate to elect anyone as Senate President,” stated Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senate President.
Escudero reiterated that Malacañang has no vote in the 24-member Senate to elect any Senate President.
He reiterated that the change in leadership under Zubiri’s term was due to a lack of confidence, with each senator having their own reasons for their vote.
