Senator Zubiri takes oath as new Senate majority leader

(Eagle News) — Senator Migz Zubiri took his oath as the new Senate majority leader on Monday, May 21.

This was after Tito Sotto, who formerly held the post,  formally accepted his new post as Senate President.

“I will work with the same zeal and same work ethics as I used to during the 14th Congress when I held the same position,” Zubiri said.

He said he was, for instance, “willing to spend long days and nights pushing for these measures..”

“My leadership style is one of not courting controversies and political fights. Those who know me, know that I am a consensus-builder, team player and an optimist,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Koko Pimentel announced he was stepping down from the chief post in the Senate, and nominated Sotto as his replacement.

This was after 15 senators signed a resolution seeking a reorganization in the chamber.

The senators were  Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senators Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda, Joseph Victor Ejercito,  Nancy Binay,  Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri and Grace Poe.

Honasan said the idea was to ensure “continuity” in the Senate, considering Pimentel’s plans to run for reelection in 2019.