Senators weep as Senate President Zubiri delivers his valedictory speech

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” in tears bids his colleagues goodbye as he steps down from the Senate presidency on May 20, 2024. (Screengrab from Senate YouTube channel)

MANILA, Philippines — It was an emotional sight in the Senate when Juan Miguel Zubiri decided to let go of his Senate presidency.

Zubiri himself shed tears when he was delivering his valedictory speech during Monday’s plenary session.

Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Joel Villanueva and JV Ejercito couldn’t help but also turn emotional while the outgoing chief was reading his farewell message.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa cries as he listens to Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri’s speech thanking his colleagues for their support to his leadership. (May 20, 2024, Screengrabbed from Senate YouTube channel)

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“Today, I offer my resignation as Senate President, and upon stepping down, I vow to serve as an independent member of the Senate — my allegiance, as ever, belonging to no one but the people,” Zubiri said amid rumors of an ouster plot against him.

In his speech, Zubiri thanked his team, naming them as the people who supported his Senate presidency until the very end.

“Ma’am Loren – my Senate President Pro Tempore, thank you very much for your loyalty and wisdom. I know many times temptations have been called to you but you’ve been steadfast,” said Zubiri, looking straight at Legarda.

Shifting his attention to Villanueva, Zubiri said: “Pare, thank you for your hard work and dedication. Isa ka sa mga pinaka masipag nating majority leader. Thank you for your friendship, until the very end. I love you. I will always cherish your support.”

For Angara, the outgoing Senate chief said: “Sonny, possibly the best finance chair this institution has ever had. I thank you, Sir. Your father was like a father to me and I am happy to call you my brother.”

Senator Sonny Angara puts his hand over his heart to express deep bond with Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who is expressing his gratitude to his fellow senators for their support throughout his Senate presidency. (May 20, 2024, Screengrab from Senate YouTube channel)

At this time, Zubiri’s voice broke but he carried on with his message, finally thanking Ejercito:

“JV, what can I say? Your loyalty, your friendship and hard work, which help stir many important measures in this institution — Sir, I am proud to call you my friend,” said Zubiri.

Meanwhile, Binay – who was already shedding tears before she was addressed by Zubiri – further turned emotional when the latter faced her: “Nancy, who has been loyal since Day 1 as a friend. Thank you. I love you and your family,” he said.

Senator Nancy Binay bursts into tears as she watches Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri deliver his farewell speech as Senate leader on May 20, 2024. (Screengrab from Senate YouTube channel)

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was likewise mentioned who, according to Zubiri, is a “good friend and kumpadre.”

Zubiri, on the other hand, said he salutes dela Rosa who “stuck out” until the end.

The seven senators mentioned are the ones that did not vote against Zubiri’s  leadership. 

After Zubiri stepped down, Legarda, Villanueva and Ejercito likewise announced their resignation from their posts.

Binay, meanwhile, vacated her post as chairperson of the Senate panels on accounts, ethics, and tourism.

Angara did the same, leaving his committee on finance and subcommittee on constitutional amendments.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (2nd from left) poses for a photo with Senators (left to right) JV Ejercito, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, and Joel Villanueva before confirming a move to remove him from the Senate leadership on Monday, May 20, 2024. (Photo taken at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City by MAILA AGER / INQUIRER.net)