Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri apologized to Bukidnon residents over his decision to join the Senate minority bloc, while recalling the alleged betrayal of four senators during the 2024 leadership change in the Senate.
During a press conference held in Malaybalay City on May 27, Zubiri addressed residents who were disappointed with his decision not to join the majority bloc.
“To everyone disappointed that I did not join the majority group, I ask for your forgiveness,” Zubiri said.
The senator claimed that Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Sen. Imee Marcos and Sen. Robin Padilla withdrew their support from him during his time as Senate president from 2022 to 2024.
According to Zubiri, the four senators had publicly pledged support for him while he was serving as leader of the Senate.
He recalled statements made by the senators expressing strong support for his leadership, including remarks describing him as the “best Senate president ever.”
Zubiri said the withdrawal of support from the four lawmakers contributed to his removal from the Senate presidency in 2024.
“If they had not left me, I would not have been removed as Senate president,” Zubiri said, adding that only eight senators remained supporting him at the time.
Despite joining the minority bloc, Zubiri assured residents of Bukidnon that he remains willing to work with lawmakers outside his political group.
He also denied claims connecting his political position to the Duterte family, saying the issue was not related to them.
“This is not about the Dutertes,” Zubiri said, while adding that he still values the Duterte family.
On May 20, 2024, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero replaced Zubiri as Senate president following a leadership change in the Senate.
