MANILA (BERNAMA-XINHUA) – Philippine Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has confirmed that he is stepping down as Francis Escudero was sworn in as the new chief of the legislative body.
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara told reporters that 15 out of 24 senators voted to oust Zubiri from the post, reported Xinhua.
“My heart is broken,” Zubiri said in a speech at the plenary session. “Today I offer my resignation as Senate president of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.
“I did my best. I leave my head up high, I always tried to keep the Senate staunchly independent,” Zubiri told reporters minutes before giving his valedictory speech to the Senate.
Following the shake-up, all senate committees will be declared vacant.
Escudero said he was also surprised by what had happened, adding the change of Senate leadership depends on the confidence or trust of its majority members.
Escudero said he will be an independent Senate president, stressing that his priority is “not only for the country, not only for the institution but also for my colleagues”.
