Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has been elected as the Senate President of the 19th Congress during its opening on Monday ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos.
“Sen. Zubiri’s leadership traits best fit the Senate presidency – compassionate, collaborative and creative,” Senator Joel Villanueva said during the nomination period.
Senator Loren Legarda said that Zubiri is a dynamic, hard-working, congenial, and forward-looking.
RELATED STORY: Zubiri says Marcos won’t be a dictator
“Siya ang tunay na trabahador ng Senado,” Legarda said.
“I saw first hand how this gentleman works. He was a true consensus builder…noong ako’y nalugmok, hindi siya sumama sa mga taong sumipa sa akin noong ako’y dapang-dapa. This shows his decency and respect for a fellow public servant. And I thank him for that,” Senator Jinggoy Estrada said.
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano did not vote for Zubiri and said that they are not joining the Minority bloc. The siblings said they will maintain their independent status.
READ ON: Zubiri says death penalty not a priority under Marcos admin
Both senators Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel said they will stay in the Minority bloc.
“It is with humility that I accept this position. Thank you for the trust,” Zubiri said during his acceptance speech.
“We have to keep watch always. The Senate will face the Philippine problems with good legislation,” he said.
