Bato backs Chiz, says sorry to Migz

The drug probe by the panel headed by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa was cited as a key reason for the ouster of Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri as Senate president.

- MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

Yesterday, it was revealed that Dela Rosa was one of the 15 senators who supported Zubiri's replacement with Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Dela Rosa apologized to Zubiri yesterday, saying he failed to defend the latter from the plot to unseat him.

Dela Rosa admitted signing the document that endorsed Escudero's Senate presidency, correcting reports that he was among the seven senators who stood by Zubiri.

"Being a good soldier, I wanted to tell him, 'My commander, sorry, boss, I failed to win the war for you,"" Dela Rosa said at a press briefing yesterday.

Dela Rosa said he had no choice but to join his three other Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) colleagues Senators Francis Tolentino, Bong Go and Robin Padilla-in voting Zubiri out, saying that it is a party deal to abide with the majority decision.

Tolentino was elected as Escudero's majority leader, replacing Zubiri's ally Joel Villanueva.

Dela Rosa said he was also flattered that he was approached by Escudero's camp to convince him to join them in the majority.

"I was close to joining the minority, but I was persuaded otherwise into joining the majority," Dela Rosa said.

"Senate President Chiz is a magnanimous victor. Even though he did not need my vote anymore because the battle was won, he still convinced me to join the majority," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa was perceived as backing Zubiri because the former PNP chief was among the seven senators that Zubiri thanked in his valedictory speech during the Monday session.

Dela Rosa cried at the mention in Zubiri's tearful farewell speech and saluted him.