‘Solid 7’ still independent, but not obstructionist

MANILA, Philippines —  The so-called Solid 7 of the Senate will remain independent but will not be “obstructionist” against the administration, former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri said yesterday.

“We are still solid. We didn’t talk about our new role this coming July when we start SONA (State of the Nation Address). We will definitely not be obstructionist,” Zubiri told reporters during the 122nd anniversary of the Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day in Baler, Aurora.

The Solid 7 is comprised of Senators Zubiri, Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian and Sonny Angara.

Senate President Francis Escudero should not worry as the Solid 7 will assist him, Zubiri said.

“I’d like to help also Chiz. Once upon a time, he voted for me when I ran two years ago. What’s important perhaps, I would just be a protector of our rules and traditions,” he added.

“We’re independent. As of now, I’m independent. But there are many independents who support proposals that are good for our countrymen. I think what’s important is I am independent but loyal to the people,” he noted.

The Solid 7 is not planning on joining the minority led by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, Zubiri said.

“We’re waiting for Senator Joel (Villanueva). He was our majority leader and one of the outspoken members. But we will wait for him before making any decisions,” he added.

Asked about the possibility of joining the opposition, Zubiri maintained that he entered the 2022 elections as part of the UniTeam alliance’s senatorial slate.

“I am sad because UniTeam seems to be disbanding. But as far as I’m concerned, I’ll still remain assisting the President in legislation that needs to be done for our country,” he said.

Zubiri yesterday appealed to Escudero to speed up the investigation into the construction of the new Senate building in Taguig City.

Escudero earlier suspended the construction due to an aggregated cost of P23 billion, which he said was “shocking and in bad taste.”

The construction had an initial budget of P8.9 billion, which has now ballooned to P13 billion with an additional P10 billion required for completion, bringing the total to around P23.3 billion.

Zubiri said the Senate would save money as they are currently spending P250 million annually to rent the Government Service Insurance System building.