By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA — Senate President Francis Escudero closed the third regular session of the 19th Congress on Wednesday night with a message of gratitude and unity, thanking fellow senators and Senate employees for their work while calling for continued trust and respect across political lines.
Speaking during the sine die adjournment at the Senate plenary, Escudero kept his speech short and lighthearted.
“Bugbog tayo sa trabaho, bugbog tayo sa labas, bugbog pa rin tayo sa loob (We were battered by work, from the outside, and even from within),” he said, as he described the intense workload in the last two weeks.
Escudero delivered brief, humorous farewells to colleagues, thanking them for their contributions and camaraderie.
He praised Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III for his insightful interpellations despite often being a source of frustration, lauded Senator Nancy Binay’s quiet diligence, and expressed appreciation to Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. for sharing personal advice.
Turning emotional, Escudero said he would miss Senator Grace Poe the most.
“Hindi dahil may kailangan ako sa ’yo, pero wala nang mangungulit sa akin (Not because I need anything from you, but because no one else will nag me),” he said.
He also gave special recognition to the Senate secretariat and employees, emphasizing their behind-the-scenes contributions to every law, resolution, and committee report passed.
“Bigyan po natin sila ng pagkilala (Let’s give them recognition),” he said.
The Senate leader encouraged colleagues to look beyond political affiliations or past votes, saying senators must be judged by their actions in office—not by who they supported in past elections.
“Hindi tayo dapat tinitignan depende sa kung sino ang binoto natin noong nagdaang eleksyon (We must not be judged by who we voted for in past elections),” he said.
Escudero, who previously served in the Senate before being elected governor of Sorsogon and later returning to national office, said he would not say goodbye to those leaving at the end of their terms.
“Hindi ako magpapaalam… hanggang sa muli nating pagkikita (I won’t say goodbye… until we meet again),” he said.
“I look forward to working with you in government, in the Senate, and anywhere in the name and in service of the Filipino people,” he added. (PNA)
