Zubiri denies Villar's majority shift tied to Duterte impeachment

MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri rejected insinuations Thursday that Senator Mark Villar's defection to the majority bloc was strategically timed around the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Zubiri's statement came shortly after the Senate appointed Villar as chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and to other committee positions, marking his formal transition from the opposition.

The timing of Villar's move has drawn scrutiny from observers, as the Senate continues its deliberations on the impeachment complaint filed against Duterte. The Vice President faces multiple allegations stemming from recent political tensions and alleged governance issues.

Zubiri characterized the committee assignments as routine procedural matters following Villar's change in bloc affiliation. He emphasized that such shifts are common parliamentary practice and do not necessarily reflect broader strategic calculations tied to high-profile cases before the chamber.

Villar's realignment represents a notable development in the Senate's political landscape, potentially affecting the dynamics of several key legislative and oversight initiatives during the remainder of the congressional term.