In a recent display of camaraderie, senators came together to acknowledge the impactful leadership of former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. Senator Grace Poe led the chorus of praise, commending Zubiri as one of the most effective consensus builders of their time. She highlighted his gentle yet effective approach, noting his ability to lighten heavy workloads with a simple smile and kind words.

“Their strong and able leadership has carried us through some of the most challenging times that this institution has seen. From the colleagues in the Floor to the staff and utility workers in the Senate, Senate President Zubiri has always been ready with a smile and a ‘good morning, my dear’ or ‘thank you, my dear’.”

Senator Poe also expressed gratitude to former Majority Leader Joel Villanueva for his tireless dedication, particularly during marathon budget sessions.

Senator Poe’s sentiments were echoed by Senator Pia Cayetano, who praised Zubiri’s unwavering commitment to finding solutions to the Senate’s most pressing issues. Cayetano lauded Zubiri’s patience and consensus-building skills, acknowledging the countless late hours spent working towards bipartisan agreements. She emphasized Zubiri’s legacy of excellence and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to follow his leadership.

Both senators emphasized Zubiri’s role in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within the Senate. Under his guidance, the Senate achieved its highest satisfaction rating in history, a testament to Zubiri’s ability to motivate and inspire his colleagues. As Zubiri transitions to a new chapter in his political career, the senators expressed their commitment to continuing his legacy of hard work and excellence.

In acknowledging Zubiri’s leadership, senators recognized not only his achievements but also his enduring impact on the Senate and the Filipino people. 

To the Senate employees, he is considered to be one—perhaps even the most generous—Senate President, consistently prioritizing the welfare and well-being of the employees. He inspired them with his example of service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people.