STORY: Philippine Senate President Zubiri steps down, Escudero sworn in
SHOOTING TIME: May 20, 2024
DATELINE: May 21, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:09
LOCATION: Manila
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Senator Zubiri speaking
2. various of Senator Escudero swearing in
3. various of Escudero attending press conference

STORYLINE:

Philippine Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri Monday confirmed that he is stepping down. Francis Escudero was sworn in as the new chief of the legislative body.
   
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara told reporters that 15 out of 24 senators voted to oust Zubiri from the post.
   
"My heart is broken," Zubiri said in a speech at the plenary session. "Today I offer my resignation as Senate president of the Republic of the Philippines," he added.
   
"I did my best. I leave my head up high," Zubiri told reporters minutes before giving his valedictory speech to the Senate.
   
Following the shake-up, all senate committees will be declared vacant.
   
Escudero said he was also surprised by what had happened, adding the change of Senate leadership depends on the confidence or trust of its majority members.
   
Escudero said he will be an independent Senate president, stressing that his priority is "not only for the country, not only for the institution, but also for my colleagues."
   
Zubiri assumed the senate presidency in July 2022.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Manila.
(XHTV)