Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and Sen. JV Ejercito has announced their move to the Senate minority bloc following last week’s leadership shakeup in the upper chamber.

Zubiri, who earlier declared his independence during the reorganization of Senate leadership, said he prefers to align himself with the minority bloc while maintaining autonomy in his legislative decisions.

“I would like to be associated with the minority bloc. Binatikos nga nila ako, sabi nila na ako ay nag-fence sitting at nag-abstain. Nag-abstain ako so that I have a free hand to vote on which issue that I think is important for the Filipino people. But when it comes to the organization, I would like to associate myself with the minority,” Zubiri said.

Ejercito, meanwhile, said he declined to join the majority bloc despite being offered a leadership position, choosing instead to remain independent with his decisions in the chamber.

“As of this time I would rather maintain my independence and with what is happening all over, I think I will be able to perform my task very well and my programs as an independent,” Ejercito said.

During the impeachment convention, Ejercito also manifested that he will be associated with the minority bloc.

Senator Joel Villanueva is currently serving as acting majority leader prior to the recent changes in Senate leadership.

The developments come as the Senate continues its session for the convening of the impeachment trial on Vice President Sara Duterte.