ZUBIRI STEPS DOWN; ESCUDERO IS NEW SENATE PRESIDENT

SENATOR Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday (May 20, 2024) stepped down as Senate President, ending his two-year term.

His resignation came days before the end of the second regular session of the 19th Congress.

He was replaced by Senator Chiz Escudero, who took his oath as the new Senate President following a nomination from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

With no objection, Escudero was officially elected by the 24-person Chamber as the new Senate head.

“I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be,” an emotional Zubiri said in his valedictory address during the Senate’s plenary session.

The outgoing Senate President said he had “fought the good fight.”

“If I’ve ruffled some feathers in doing so, then so be it,” the Bukidnon lawmaker said.

According to Zubiri, he did his best to shield the Senate from all attacks to keep the Upper Chamber independent.

“God knows what I had to do to defend the Senate,” the outgoing Senate President said.

“As I have said, I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues, and I thank them for entrusting me with the monumental responsibility of leading the Senate over the past two years. It has been the greatest honor of my life as a public servant, and the greatest challenge,” the “heartbroken” Zubiri said in a privilege speech.

“I have given this job my all. Not only have I maintained my untarnished record as a public servant and my streak of perfect attendance since 1998, but I have also done my best to rise to the occasion as a leader responsible for this entire institution, and everyone under its care,” he further said. 

“I leave with my head held high, knowing I did what is right for the Senate and for the nation. I wish our new leadership the very best, and I pray that they will be steadfast in upholding the independence of our beloved institution,” the outgoing Senate chief added.

Rumors of Senate “coup” had been recurring since last year due to alleged “discontentment” on the way Zubiri was leading the Upper Chamber.

This was worsened by the tension brought by the People’s Initiative, with the House of Representatives criticizing the Senate’s hardline stance against changing the Charter. 

His stepping down also occurred as the Senate was investigating the alleged leaks in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The Bukidnon solon said he respects the independence of the Senate panel, allowing the conduct of the investigation.

Zubiri said he will serve the Filipino people as an independent member of the Senate.

Meanwhile, Escudero vowed to serve the interests of Filipinos, regardless of affiliations.