Manila: The Senate majority is looking at Sen. Loren Legarda as a future Senate president, underscoring that any leadership change should come from within the majority bloc and not through a formal term-sharing arrangement. In an ambush interview Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he has consistently supported Legarda, citing her experience and leadership credentials, including her stint as Senate president pro tempore during his first term as Senate president in the 19th Congress.

According to Philippines News Agency, Zubiri expressed his unwavering support for Legarda, emphasizing their partnership and her qualifications to potentially lead the Senate. Discussions among the majority senators have included the prospect of Legarda becoming the first woman Senate president toward the latter part of the 20th Congress. This possibility emerged from informal talks among senators at the Senators' Lounge.

Zubiri clarified that the understanding is not a formal term-sharing arrangement, but rather an agreement among the senators. He indicated that the timing for this leadership transition is being considered after the Senate's relocation to the New Senate Building, a project spearheaded by Sotto and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. The anticipated transition could occur by late 2027, allowing Legarda to assume the role before the 2028 elections.

Moreover, Zubiri expressed his willingness to step down as Senate majority leader to facilitate a broader leadership transition within the majority bloc. He mentioned that his senior Deputy Majority Floor Leader, Senator JV Ejercito, could take over as the majority leader. The proposed leadership adjustments aim to maintain unity within the Senate majority as the chamber advances toward the latter half of the 20th Congress.

Rumors circulated on Wednesday about a possible Senate leadership shift involving Legarda, but no concrete move has been made.