Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has thrown his support behind Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s bid to return as Senate president in the 20th Congress.

Zubiri on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the Senate leadership of Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who replaced him as head of the chamber last year.

“If you ask me, I’m for a leader of the Senate who protects the integrity, the traditions of the Senate. I don’t like a leader in the Senate who is the dictatorial type,” he said.

“I don’t want us to be like other chambers where it is only one emperor who dictates all the instructions to the members of the body,” he said.

Zubiri also announced the formation of a new group in the Senate called the “veteran bloc,” composed of himself and Senators Loren Legarda, Panfilo Lacson and Sotto, all of whom have expressed their alignment in terms of legislative direction and leadership.

The former Senate chief said he supports Sotto’s leadership, citing the latter’s dedication and inclusive style of governance.

“He (Escudero) may have the 13 votes or signatures, but I am hoping and praying that at the end of the day, we all decide to have a Senate president that will continue its independence as the last bastion of democracy,” Zubiri said.

Earlier this week, Senator Joel Villanueva said Escudero had secured the support of “more than 13 senators,” enough to retain the Senate presidency.

“I am confident because I’ve talked to at least a majority of the senators. I can say that, but of course, every day is another day. I cannot tell if they will change their minds, but so far, those I have spoken to — they are more than 13, as far as I am concerned,” Villanueva told reporters.

He declined to name the senators who pledged support for Escudero, noting that no resolution had been signed and the situation remained fluid.

In a separate interview, Senator Erwin Tulfo confirmed that he and his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, are among those backing Escudero.

“I am with Alyansa, so it is expected that I will be part of the majority,” Tulfo said when asked if he supported Escudero amid the ongoing leadership tussle with Sotto.