In a sudden move, Sen. Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri stepped down as Senate President, as Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero takes over the helm of the Upper Chamber’s leadership.
It was Sen. Joel Villanueva who first confirmed the change of leadership in the Senate by sharing to the members of the media that he is now “signing off” as Senate Majority Leader on Viber.
The Senate leadership change occurred ahead of Congress’ sine die adjournment on May 24, 2024.
“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,” Zubiri said in his valedictory address during the Senate’s plenary session.
“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.
“Senate President or not, I will continue to push for the welfare of our laborers until they receive the decent wages that they deserve,” Zubiri further said.
Under his leadership, an emotional Zubiri said he is proud to have led a “bold and courageous Senate, unafraid to call out injustice where we see it, whether in our sovereign seas or within our own government.”
In the past two years, Zubiri said he has never dictated his position to any of his colleagues, “and I always supported your independence—which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be.”
“I have listened to all my colleagues throughout my Senate Presidency, and again I listen to them today, as we head into a new period for the Senate,” he stressed.
“I fought the good fight. If I have ruffled some feathers in doing so, if I have upset the powers that be, then so be it. Hindi ko tinanggap ang pagiging Pangulo ng Senado para lang hayaan na bumagsak ito (I didn’t accept the position as Senate President just to allow it to fall),” he emphasized.
“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. I leave with my head held high, knowing I did what is right for the Senate and for the nation,” Zubiri reiterated.
In an interview at the sidelines, Zubiri admitted he is “heartbroken” over his decision, but acknowledged that he has to bow to “the powers that lead.”
“Dahil not following instructions kaya nadale tayo (we were hit because we were not following instructions). We will continue in support of the independence of the Senate,” Zubiri said.
“Thank you for the support, sa media. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to have serve the Filipino people as Senate President. Nakakalungkot ginawa ko lahat para protektahan ang independensya ng Senado pero ganun talaga ang pulitika wala tayong magagawa (It’s sad that I did everything to protect the Senate’s independence, but that is politics, we cannot do anything),” he said.
Twenty-three senators were present during the leadership change process. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano later on nominated Escudero as Senate President.
Following Zubiri’s speech, Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara took the floor and announced his resignation as head of the Senate Comittees on Finance, Youth, and as head of the subcommittee on constitutional amendments, revision of codes, which is hearing the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) which seeks to amend the economic provision of the 1987 Constitution.
"I'd like to pay tribute to our outgoing Senate President, our outgoing Majority Leader, our outgoing Senate President Pro-Temp, and the leadership team who was very productive. I think there's no reason - of course emotions may dictate that they bow their heads, but there's no reason to bow their heads," Angara said when he manifested his position.
"Talagang I think, when all is said and done, when history is written, wala silang ikakahiya. They stood on the right side of history. I think when this institution was under threat, ipinaglaban ni Senate President Zubiri ang ating institusyon, ipinaglaban nya ang ating taumbayan doon sa mga gustong solohin ang kapangyarihan (Senate President Zubiri truly fought for our institution, he fought for the people against those who want to grab power)," Angara added.
Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay also gave up chairmanship of the Senate committees on ethics and privileges, accounts and tourism; Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” also announced his resignation as head of the Senate committees on local government and urban planning, housing and resettlement.
Sen. Loren Legarda also resigned as Senate President Pro Tempore following Escudero’s acceptance as Senate chief. Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada took over Legarda's position as pro tempore.
Sen. Francis "Tol" Tolentino, meanwhile, took over the role of Senate Majority Leader from Villanueva.
In his acceptance speech, Escudero, who was accompanied by his wife, celebrity host and fashion icon, Heart Evangelista, honored Zubiri.
“My hats off to you, Sen. Zubiri. I salute you and will make you proud among all our colleagues and hopefully you will not leave my side, whenever I ask for guidance, whenever I ask for help, and whenever I ask for your wisdom,” Escudero said.
On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III declared that he and Sen. Risa Hontiveros will remain in the minority bloc. Alan Cayetano, for his part, was elected as head of the Senate Committee on Accounts.
Escudero reportedly got the support of Senators Cynthia Villar, Mark Villar, Grace Poe, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. Tolentino, Estrada, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Christopher "Bong" Go, Robinhood "Robin" Padilla, Imee Marcos, Manuel "Lito" Lapid and Raffy Tulfo.