Senate lauds outgoing senators

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Senate President Francis Escudero sponsored all eight resolutions honoring his colleagues, including Senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Ramon Revilla Jr., Aquilino Pimentel III, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, and himself. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to eight lawmakers whose terms conclude with the 19th Congress, adopting resolutions commending their public service.

Senate President Francis Escudero sponsored all eight resolutions honoring his colleagues, including Senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Ramon Revilla Jr., Aquilino Pimentel III, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, and himself.

The measures recognized the senators’ leadership, integrity, and legislative achievements.

In her valedictory message read by Sen. JV Ejercito, Binay looked back on her 12-year tenure marked by early criticism and eventual recognition.

She reflected on how the Senate, grounded in tradition, serves as both “memory and conscience” of democracy.

“I leave these halls not with a heart heavy from regrets, but a heart made full by the many kindnesses I have encountered,” she said.

Poe, in her address, recounted a packed legislative record of nearly 700 measures filed and 368 enacted into law.

From championing laws on child nutrition and adoption to reforms in internet access and financial security, Poe highlighted landmark achievements such as the Foundling Recognition Act, the Anti-Scam Acts, and the modernization of transport licensing.

She ended her speech with gratitude to colleagues across political divides, vowing to continue championing animal welfare and underserved communities.

“You gave a foundling her name, her mission, and her home. In return, I gave you my whole heart,” Poe said.

Villar, who served as chair of the agriculture and environment committees, cited landmark agricultural and environmental legislation including the Rice Tariffication Law, Free Irrigation Act, Anti-Agricultural Smuggling laws, the Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act, and over 50 protected area laws under the Expanded NIPAS.

She also highlighted her work on waste management through the Extended Producer Responsibility Act.

“In this chamber, you fondly called me Mamabear—a simple moniker, but one I took to heart,” Villar said.

Revilla struck a deeply emotional tone as he reflected on three Senate terms.

Having authored over 2,000 bills and enacted nearly 400 laws, Revilla said he returned to public office bearing the scars of past controversies and the strength of hard-earned lessons.

“Public service is not attached to a position.

It is a commitment and a calling that I will always willingly and wholeheartedly answer,” he said.

Revilla recalled his journey from vice governor at the age of 28 to a three-term senator, citing his work on laws related to education, social justice, and economic recovery.

“Si Bong Revilla, kung gaano kasigasig sa loob ng bulwagang ito, ganundin bilang pribadong mamamayan (Bong Revilla, as passionate as he is within these halls, will be just as devoted as a private citizen),” he added.

The Senate resolutions recognized each senator’s contributions in specific policy areas, leadership roles, and institutional memory.

Pimentel was lauded for his unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and minority leadership; Tolentino for defending Philippine sovereignty and legal reform; and Estrada for his service as Senate President Pro Tempore and consistent role in strengthening legislative institutions.