(Eagle News) — As the 16th Congress of the Philippines adjourned Monday, June 6, nine senators bid farewell after finishing their terms.
Senate President Franklin Drilon also touted the Senate’s accomplishments saying that the senate as a whole “fared well.”
The Senate adjourned sine die on June 6, signaling the close of the 16th Congress.
Senators serve a six-year tenure per term with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms, with half of the senators elected every three years to ensure that the Senate is maintained as a continuous body.
Among the senators who finished their maximum 12 years in office are Senate Minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile, Lito Lapid, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla. Both Jinggoy Estrada and Revilla are currently detained in Camp Crame in Quezon City for the plunder case concerning the utilization of their Priority Assistance Development Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel funds.
Enrile thanks Filipinos
In his privilege speech, Senator Enrile thanked his countrymen who continued to support him.
“I would like to thank the Filipino people for having given me the opportunity, privilege, and the honor to serve them. Like what McArthur said, old soldiers never die, they just fade away. I would say today, my last appearance in this chamber, old politicians never die, they just fade away. My head was bloodied but never bowed,” Enrile, 92, declared in his final speech as senator.
For Enrile, he has finished his mission for the nation after finishing his term as a senator.
Enrile served in the executive department for 20 years and also served another 27 years of his life in Congress.
“I tried my best to serve the people because I felt that my call to service was something that I never intended in the first place,” he said.
The senators who ran but lost in the recent elections are Senators TG Guingona III, Miriam Santiago, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and Serge Osmena.
Before the adjournment, the Senate approved a resolution recognizing the outgoing senators’ legacy and contributions in the legislature.
Drilon: “We have fared well”
According to Senate President Franklin Drilon, the 16th Congress could be credited for having a strong political will and for having hardworking members.
“This senate cleared the hurdle of passing difficult but landmark measures that previously languished in the legislative mill for decades. Thus, we need not be afraid to face the verdict of our people and history. We have fared well,” Drilon said.
