An emotional Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri read his prepared speech on the Senate Floor during Monday’s plenary session.
“I am proud to have led a Senate that has been resolute in protecting our institution, our democracy, and our people,” now-former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Monday.
This, as he bade farewell to the position he held for nearly two years.
Zubiri added that as an “independent leader,” he had let his colleagues “come into decisions and collaborations, rather than direction.”
A move, in his retrospect, is a reason for his “demise” as the leader of the upper chamber of Congress.
“I failed to follow directions from the powers that be. As simple as that.”
The Senator also said that he “fought a good fight.”
“Hindi ko tinanggap ang pagiging pangulo ng Senado para lang hayaang bumagsak ito,” before formally tendering his resignation as Senate President.
He then vowed to serve as an “independent senator,” but will continue to work with the new leadership.
Zubiri also recalled past instances that have challenged his leadership, such as the controversial people’s initiative for the Constitutional amendments and the recent probe on the alleged “PDEA leaks.”
Aside from vacating the SP role, Zubiri also resigned from his chairmanship in Senate committees.
Earlier this afternoon, the senators also officially nominated and, subsequently, declared Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero as the new Senate President.
Escudero, who stood alongside wife Heart Evangelista, took an oath that was administered by Senator Mark Villar.
Aside from him, Senator Jinggoy Estrada was also picked as the Senate President Pro Tempore.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino also took his oath as the Majority Floor Leader of the institution.
Despite these changes, Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel continues to lead and be part of the Minority group.