For a little more than 24 hours last week, the Senate of the Philippines changed its leaders with Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri relinquishing the Senate presidency to Sen. Francis Escudero, probably one of the fastest leadership turnaround for the upper chamber of Congress.
There were many speculations why Zubiri was replaced, but the events prior to the final change were clearly leading to the inevitable. In his own words, Senator Zubiri said he was replaced because he did not follow the wishes of the powers-that-be. As president of the Senate, he was second only to the Vice President in the line of succession. The only other "power" that he could possibly refer to is the President.
Zubiri said he was removed---or pressured to resign---because he was unable to stop Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa for conducting that controversial Senate hearing on the PDEA leaks.
To put it in context, a 2012 document filed at PDEA by then agent Jonathan Morales found its way into social media. It was an investigation report of a confidential informant alleging that then senator Bongbong Marcos and actress Maricel Soriano were with a group using illegal drugs, inside the actress' Rockwell condominium. Morales' recommendation to conduct surveillance and arrest were allegedly rejected and stayed by the PDEA during the time of President Noynoy Aquino, and then Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa was allegedly to blame. Ochoa and Atty. Liza Araneta Marcos were then partners in their law office.
Also among Zubiri's revelations was his suspicion that his open criticism of the Martin Romualdez-led People's Initiative because of its anti-Senate provision led to his ouster. This is saddening for the former Senate president, because he was clearly defending the right of the Senate to exist as a relevant body, as its voting power would be diluted in the PI proposal of the Romualdez boys.
With Chiz Escudero now the leader of the Senate, what can the people expect from this chamber which was said to be the "last bulwark of democracy." We doubt if this will stick, despite his good choice of senators to assist him: Senate president pro tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and Senate majority floor leader Francis "Tol" Tolentino.
Already, the Escudero-Tolentino tandem on the Senate floor was able to pass the new National Government Procurement law, which will be submitted to the President for signature. And it was just all in a day's work.
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