Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has formally joined the Senate minority bloc as the chamber continues its internal realignment following a leadership shakeup under Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
Meanwhile, Sen. JV Ejercito declined Cayetano’s offer to become majority leader, opting to remain independent before later confirming he would also align with the minority.
The changes come after Cayetano secured the Senate presidency with support from a newly formed majority that earlier displaced former Senate President Tito Sotto.
Zubiri said he abstained from the leadership vote to maintain independence on policy matters but chose to formally associate with the minority during the reorganization.
The political realignment coincides with the Senate’s role as an impeachment court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, further intensifying the majority-minority divide.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 19, 2026
