Zubiri to focus on BBL, ‘endo’ bill as new majority leader

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri vowed that he will “spend long days and nights” to speed up the passage of proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and law that will end illegal contracting scheme, among others after his colleagues elected him as the new Senate majority leader.

Zubiri on Monday filled the vacancy left by Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who replaced Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III as the Senate president.

“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 relationships between the two chambers of Congress,” he said.

Zubiri, who chaired the Senate subcommittee on the BBL, will continue to prioritize the long-delayed measure that seeks to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao along with the end to “endo” and amendments to the retail trade.

The Public Services Act, which allows competition on telecommunications and transportation, will be also a priority, the new majority leader added.

“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 consensus-builder, team player and an optimist,” Zubiri said.

He first became the Senate majority leader in November 2008.

Zubiri also vowed that he will defend the upper chamber’s image as an institution from its detractors and protect the Senate’s independence and integrity.

“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,” he said.

In 2011, Zubiri resigned from the Senate before the Senate Electoral Tribunal could rule on allegations of cheating in the 2007 midterm elections. He said he and his family were deeply hurt by the allegations and trial by publicity waged by his rival, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.

Pimentel was eventually declared the winning candidate and served the duration of the term.

Prior to his stint in Senate, Zubiri served as the representative of Bukidnon (third district) from 1998 to 2007.