Press Release
May 21, 2018

Statement of Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
on his election as Senate Majority Leader

I am humbled and honored to be chosen, once again, as Majority Leader by my colleagues. I will work with the same zeal and same work ethics as I used to during the 14th Congress when I held the same position.

It is fitting that we just "celebrated" the life of Senator Edgardo Angara. I pay tribute to him whose philosophy was to pass quality legislation without the noise. That's the "Angara way". I will make that as my mantra as Majority Leader. I will make sure that we will pass legislation that not only improves the lives of Filipinos but will also prioritize local legislations from our Representatives throughout the country and for the smooth coordination and working relationship between the two chambers of Congress. We will take action on the legislative priorities passed on to us by the other House.

We will continue to prioritize the BBL to achieve long-lasting peace in Mindanao, end the ENDO, amendments to the retail trade to allow more investments; and the Public Services Act to allow competition on people's basic needs such as telecommunications and transportation. We will continue to take action on the other legislative priorities of the Chamber.

I am willing to spend long days and nights pushing for these measures, as I did during my first term as Majority Leader. My leadership style is one of not courting controversies and political fights. Those who know me, know that I am a consensus-builder, team player and an optimist.

We will uphold and defend the Senate's image as an institution from its detractors and protect the Senate's independence and integrity.

I have mixed emotions in accepting this post. For one, I am happy that I am given another opportunity to shepherd the passage of important pieces of legislation. On the other hand, I am saddened that it will take a lot of quality time away from my family, my wife and young children.

After going through the ups and downs of my political career, marked by my resignation as Senator in 2011 and losing in 2013, I made a pact with God that this time I will do better.

I did not seek this position. I accept this post not due to ambition but due to the new lease in my political career given to me by the people who want change from the status quo. God humbled me through my political trials in life, so, this time I just want to do a better job. This is now THE challenge to do better.

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