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MANILA, Philippines — As the 19th Congress drew to a close last night, four senators took the podium one last time in plenary to deliver valedictory speeches to mark the Senate’s sine die adjournment, with reflections on public service and legislative milestones.
Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, who was met with the loudest cheers as he was introduced on the floor for his speech, closed his 13 years of service in the chamber and reflected on the lessons and missteps in his political journey.
One of the fiercest supporters for the Senate’s convening as an impeachment court, he talked of how members of the impeachment court “outmaneuvered” him and Sen. Risa Hontiveros during Tuesday night’s proceedings.
“For example, saan ako nagkamali, paano niyo kami nautakan. Paano nautakan ng majority ang minority (Where did I go wrong, how did you in the majority outwit us in the minority),” he said.
He also reminded his colleagues that the chamber “is not a place for echo chambers but for courageous discourse. In diversity we find democracy’s heartbeat.”
Pimentel acknowledged the weight of political conflict over the years and the possibility that his actions or words may have hurt others.
“Siguro kung meron mang nasaktan sa 13 years ko dito sa Senado… I beg for your understanding and I pray that with the passage of time you will find it in your heart to forgive me,” he said, alluding to his involvement in several high-profile and often divisive issues.
Though stepping away from national office, he vowed to remain an engaged citizen, lawyer, and advocate for federalism, faster local development, and policies that center the poor.
Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay also turned emotional during their speeches.
Poe recalled how she often found herself in the thick of headline-grabbing investigations—from the Mamasapano massacre to ride-hailing controversies. “
“At one point, I felt less like a senator and more like the Senate’s designated crisis hotline operator,” she joked, before thanking her fellow lawmakers, resource persons, and public servants who stood by her in marathon sessions.
Binay, meanwhile, recalled having received harsh criticism in her early days in public office––from her skin color to her clothing, and even her perceived inexperience.
She recalled being derided for just being a staff of her father then-Vice president Jejomar Binay before she ran for the Senate.
“We need thick skin in governance not so we can remain callous to the people’s pleas, but so that we can trudge forward,” she said.
Sen. Cynthia Villar highlighted her legislative achievements in agriculture, environment, and rural development.
Fondly called “Mamabear” by her colleagues, she said the nickname reflected her role as fiercely protective and dependable.
Sen. Bong Revilla reflected on three decades of public service and vowing that his commitment to the Filipino people remains steadfast despite his electoral defeat.
“This is not an end, but a new chapter. Public service does not expire with a term. It is a commitment. It is a calling,” he said.
Sen. Francis Tolentino, who like Revilla lost his reelection bid, left the proceedings and opted not to deliver a valedictory speech.
Meanwhile, measures to combat online disinformation are set to be filed after the House plenary adopted the tri-committee report following its probe into the proliferation of fake news.
