Zubiri elected as Senate majority leader

Senators elected Monday Juan Miguel Zubiri as their majority leader to fill the vacancy left with the election of Vicente Sotto III as the 29th Senate President.

In his acceptance speech, Zubiri said he is humbled and honored to be chosen, once again, as majority leader by his 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," he said.

He said it is just fitting that the Senate recently celebrated the life of the late 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," he said.

He said the Senate will take action on the legislative priorities passed on by the House of Representatives.

"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," he said.

He added that the new leadership will uphold and defend the Senate’s image as an institution from its detractors and protect the Senate’s independence and integrity. — RSJ, GMA News