Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero took his oath as the new Senate President, replacing Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Monday, May 20.
“At the end of the day, ang pagpapalit o pananatili ng liderato sa Senado ay dumidepende sa kumpiyansa ng mas nakararaming miyembro ng Senado. Ang bawat miyembro ay may kanya-kanyang rason kung bakit at bakit hindi at ginagalang at tinatanggap ko iyon,” pahayag ni Escudero sa isang press conference.
Before Escudero took his oath, Zubiri stepped down as the Senate President, saying he “failed to follow instructions from the powers that be.”
“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,” Zubri said.
On the other hand, Escudero thanked Zubiri for his “wisdom, patience, hard work, and love for the country.”
“My hats off to you Senate President Zubiri. I salute you, and I hope I will make you proud… Hopefully you will not leave my side whenever I ask you for guidance, whenever I ask for help, and whenever I ask for your wisdom,” Escudero said.
Moreover, the newly-elected Senate President emphasized the importance of a Senate that serves the people regardless of political colors.
“Gaya ng sabi ko kanina, walang team ko, team mo, team niya. Team dapat nating lahat ay ang bansang Pilipinas. And I’m look forward to working to each and every member of Congress, whether majority or minority,” he said in his speech.
