Panay Today
NATIONAL – In a significant shift of power, Senator Migz Zubiri relinquished his role as Senate President on May 20, 2024, paving the way for Senator Chiz Escudero to assume leadership.
The Senate’s leadership transition follows the adjournment of Congress and amidst mounting criticism over leaks from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) implicating President Marcos Jr. in illicit drug activities.
Zubiri believes that the ouster plot against him began when he did not adhere to the planned timeline for approving the Charter Change and allowing the Senate to investigate the PDEA leaks, which he admits angered Marcos Jr.’s camp.
The Kabataan Partylist views the leadership change as indicative of the administration’s agenda, spearheaded by Marcos Jr., to advance priority legislation such as Charter Change.
Since the Ramos administration, the Senate has remained a formidable obstacle to nationwide charter change efforts. The Kabataan Partylist also challenges the new Senate President, Senator Chiz Escudero, to heed the long-standing call of the youth in the Senate to scrap charter change and prevent the return of Mandatory ROTC, while prioritizing the interests of the broader populace./PT
