Senators Shed Tears as Senate President Zubiri Gives Farewell Address
SENATORS – Several senators got emotional and cry at the farewell speech of Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri.
The atmosphere in the Senate was charged with emotion as Juan Miguel Zubiri made the difficult decision to leave his position as Senate President. Tears welled in Zubiri’s eyes as he delivered his farewell address during Monday’s session, prompting several senators, including Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Joel Villanueva, and JV Ejercito, to also become visibly moved.
“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 amidst swirling rumors of an ouster plot against him.
Expressing gratitude, Juan Miguel Zubiri singled out key figures who had supported him throughout his tenure. He thanked Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda for her unwavering loyalty and wisdom, acknowledging the challenges she faced.
Addressing Villanueva, Zubiri praised his diligence as majority leader and expressed enduring friendship. He lauded Angara as an exceptional finance chair and extended heartfelt appreciation, reminiscing about their familial bond. Overcome with emotion, Zubiri thanked Ejercito for his steadfast support, expressing pride in their friendship.
Zubiri’s acknowledgment of Binay, who had already been moved to tears, deepened the emotional resonance. He commended her unwavering loyalty and expressed affection for her and her family. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was also recognized as a trusted friend and “kumpadre” by Zubiri, while dela Rosa was commended for his steadfastness.
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These senators, among whom none had opposed Zubiri’s leadership, witnessed his resignation. Subsequently, Legarda, Villanueva, and Ejercito followed suit in stepping down from their respective posts. Binay relinquished her roles as chairperson of Senate panels on accounts, ethics, and tourism, while Angara did the same for his committee on finance and subcommittee on constitutional amendments.