Zubiri belittles leadership 'coup' rumors

MANILA – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dismissed on Wednesday rumors about efforts to replace him as Senate president.

In a press briefing, Zubiri said 17 senators signed a manifesto, maintaining their support for his leadership.

Those who signed were Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Christopher Lawrence Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Grace Poe, Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, Robinhood Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon Revilla Jr.

"I thank my fellow senators – everyone who has already signed the statement of support, as well as those who have signified to sign as well," Zubiri said.

He said the senators who have intended to sign the manifesto are Senators Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Francis Escudero who are currently out of the country.

"Ang suporta nilang lahat ay marka ng isang matatag na Senado na hindi natitinag ng anumang ingay at palaging nagkakaisa sa aming paglilingkod para sa bayan," Zubiri said.

(Their support marks a strong Senate that can't be shaken by any noise and always united in our service for the country.)

Rumors are that he could be replaced by Legarda, Poe or Estrada. (PNA)