Migz Zubiri

Juan Miguel "Migz" Fernandez Zubiri (Tagalog: [hwan mɪˈɡɛl feɾˈnandes zʊˈbɪri]; born April 13, 1969)[3] is a Filipino politician serving as the Senate President of the Philippines since July 25, 2022. He is currently on his third term in the Senate, first serving from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2016 to 2022. He previously served as the Senate Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010 and 2018 to 2022,[4][5] and was the representative of Bukidnon's 3rd district from 1998 to 2007.

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Fernandez and the surname or paternal family name is Zubiri.

The Honorable
Migz Zubiri
Zubiri in 2023
24th President of the Senate of the Philippines
Assumed office
July 25, 2022
Preceded byTito Sotto
President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines
Acting[1]
In office
June 30, 2022 – July 25, 2022
Preceded byRalph Recto
Succeeded byLoren Legarda
Senate Majority Leader
In office
May 21, 2018 – July 25, 2022
Preceded byTito Sotto
Succeeded byJoel Villanueva
In office
November 17, 2008 – June 30, 2010
Preceded byFrancis Pangilinan
Succeeded byTito Sotto
Senator of the Philippines
Assumed office
June 30, 2016
In office
June 30, 2007 – August 3, 2011
Senate positions
Chair of the Senate Cooperatives Committee
In office
July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2022
Preceded byLito Lapid
Succeeded byImee Marcos
Chair of the Senate Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship Committee
In office
July 25, 2016 – May 25, 2018
Preceded byBam Aquino (as Trade and Commerce)
Succeeded byKoko Pimentel
Member of the House of Representatives from Bukidnon's 3rd district
In office
June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007
Preceded byJose Maria Zubiri Jr.
Succeeded byJose Zubiri III
Personal details
Born
Juan Miguel Fernandez Zubiri

(1969-04-13) April 13, 1969
Makati, Rizal, Philippines
Political partyIndependent (2011–2012, 2014–present)
Other political
affiliations		United Nationalist Alliance (2012–2014)
Lakas–CMD/Lakas–Kampi–CMD (1998–2011)
Spouse
Audrey Tan
​
(m. 2005)​
[2]
Children3
Residences
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños (BS)
University of the Philippines Open University (MENRM)
OccupationPolitician
ProfessionBusinessperson
Signature
Sports career
CountryPhilippines
SportArnis
Medal record
Arnis
Representing  Philippines
WEKAF World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1989 Cebu City

He is also the current chairman of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation[6] and the vice chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.[7]

Zubiri resigned from the Senate in August 2011 following allegations of poll fraud during the 2007 elections and an electoral protest filed by Koko Pimentel. He continued to deny the allegations.[8][9][10][11] His resignation marked a first in Senate history, as other senators who left the Senate did so in order to take up another post in public office.[12]

Education

Zubiri finished his elementary and high school education at the Colegio San Agustin-Makati. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He also earned a Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management degree from the University of the Philippines Open University.

Sports career

Zubiri is involved in Arnis as a former player and sports executive. Zubiri began training for Arnis, a martial art and the national sport of the Philippines, at the age of sixteen. He won the Arnis World Championship title in 1989, defeating Jeff Finder of the United States.[13]

He would be elected as the inaugural president and chairman of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF). The organization established in 2017 would become the national sports association for the sport of Arnis in the Philippines as an affiliate member of the Philippine Olympic Committee.[14]

Political career

Congress

After serving as chief of staff of his father, Rep. Jose Maria Zubiri, Jr., from 1995 to 1998, he ran for the seat representing the third district of Bukidnon to be vacated by his father in the 1998 elections. Winning easily in that election, he served his first term in the 10th Congress. During his first term, he was one of the members of what the media dubbed as the "Spice Boys", a group of neophyte and two-term congressmen who were openly critical of President Joseph Estrada's administration. He was subsequently re-elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in the 2001 and 2004 elections.

Senate

After serving as a congressman for three terms, he was drafted by Lakas CMD to be one of their candidates in the pro-Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration TEAM Unity ticket for the 2007 mid-term elections.

In the final tally for the 2007 senatorial race by the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec), Rep. Zubiri narrowly defeated opposition candidate Koko Pimentel for the 12th and last slot in the Senate. Zubiri had a total of 11,001,730 votes against Pimentel's 10,983,358 votes.[15] The margin of some 18,372 votes was strongly contested, particularly the votes from the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, where Pimentel had lost to Zubiri by a landslide.

Claiming that the votes in Maguindanao were tainted,[16] Pimentel petitioned the Philippine Supreme Court to invalidate the votes from Maguindanao, effectively disenfranchising a whole province. The Supreme Court voted unanimously 14 -0 against Pimentel and allowed the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) to count the votes in Zubiri's favor. Pimentel then returned to the Supreme Court for a second time. This time, he petitioned the justices to issue a restraining order against the proclamation of Zubiri. After oral arguments, however, the High Tribunal again voted to uphold the COMELEC's decision to proclaim Zubiri, consequently failing to grant Pimentel's petition.[17] The next day, July 14, 2007, Zubiri was duly proclaimed elected to the Philippine Senate. However, the Court's judgment did not prevent Pimentel from bringing his poll protests to the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

On March 14, 2008, the Supreme Court, in a 40-page decision penned by Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, dismissed Koko Pimentel petition to stop the Commission on Elections from canvassing votes from the province of Maguindanao,[18] a definite morale booster for Senator Zubiri.

Senator Zubiri (2nd from left) with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (center) on October 2008

While serving his stint in the Senate, Zubiri began advocating a more in-depth study of biofuels in order to prevent food shortages, all the while allowing current production of alternative clean energy and biofuels so as to lessen dependence on imported oil and allow the Philippine economy a new avenue of economic success, "especially in this day and age of constant rising oil prices".[19] In the 14th Congress of the Philippine Senate, he became Senate Majority Leader, replacing Senator Francis Pangilinan on November 17, 2008.[4] During his Majority Leadership, the Senate passed a record 650 bills.

On August 3, 2011, however, during his privilege speech on the floor in the Philippine Senate, Zubiri suddenly announced his resignation from the body.[8] In his speech, he said that his family was hurt by the "unfounded" accusations against him. "Without admitting any fault and with my vehement denial of the alleged electoral fraud hurled against me, I am submitting my resignation as a duly elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines in the election for which I am falsely accused without mercy and compassion," Zubiri said in his speech. "My political detractors began calling me ugly names and dragging the name of my family in entirety. In other words, Mr. President, the trial by publicity has begun," he continued.

His resignation was lauded by Malacañang and various sectors,[20][21] but was also seen as a step that helped restore the Filipino's faith in national electoral protests. Senator Francis Pangilinan, a member of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, likewise refused to comment on what the next procedure is for the vacancy left by Zubiri. "Let's just wait for developments if any," he said.[22]

In 2013, Zubiri ran for the Senate under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance ticket but lost, placing 14th out of the 12 seats with 11,821,134 votes.

In 2016, he ran again for the Senate as an independent candidate. Zubiri was adopted by various political parties who considered his popularity among voters of various age and social groups. With 16 million votes, he placed sixth in the polls, making him successful this time.

Senator Zubiri (foreground, 3rd from left) with President Rodrigo Duterte during the BOL presentation to the MILF on August 2018

In the 17th Congress, he was once again elected as Senate Majority Leader on May 21, 2018, succeeding Tito Sotto, who was elected Senate President.[5]

In 2022, Zubiri successfully defended his seat. Running as an independent candidate with the support of both the UniTeam Alliance (which supported Bongbong Marcos in the concurrent presidential election) and the MP3 Coalition, which supported Manny Pacquiao for President, he received nearly 19 million votes, finishing eighth out of twelve successful candidates.

Zubiri (top left) during President Bongbong Marcos's 2022 State of the Nation Address.

In late May 2022, he announced his candidacy for the position of President of the Senate, to succeed Tito Sotto, who is retiring. On June 1, Cynthia Villar, who was considered his main rival, withdrew from the race and endorsed him for the ballot scheduled to be held in late July.[23][24][25] On the same day, he was elected President pro tempore, the second most senior position in the Senate, to fill out the remaining few weeks of the term of Ralph Recto, who had vacated the post to take up a seat in the House of Representatives.[1] On July 25, 2022, Zubiri, being the only nominee for the post, was elected as Senate President.[26]

Laws

Among the laws Zubiri has sponsored, authored, or co-authored across his time in both houses of Congress are:

  • RA 11054 – Bangsamoro Organic Law;
  • RA 9153 – Renewable Energy Act of 2008;
  • RA 9367 – Biofuels Act of 2006;
  • RA 10068 – Organic Agriculture Act of 2010;
  • RA 9147 – Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act;
  • RA 10121 – Philippine Disaster Risk Management Act;
  • RA 9165 – Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;
  • RA 9679 – the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009 (Pag-IBIG Fund);
  • RA 9653 – the Rent Control Act of 2009;
  • RA 9997 – the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009;
  • RA 9996 – the Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010;
  • RA 9904 – the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners’ Associations;
  • RA 9903 – Condonation of Penalties on Delinquent Social Security Contributions;
  • RA 9507 – the Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Condonation Program;
  • RA 9850 – Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport;
  • RA 9500 – UP Charter Amendments;
  • RA 9163 – National Service Training Program;
  • RA 9166 – Armed Forces of the Philippines Rate Pay Base Increase Act;
  • RA 10072 – the New Charter of the Philippine Red Cross;
  • RA 9645 – Declaring July 27 of Every Year as Araw ng Iglesia Ni Cristo and as Special Working Holiday;
  • RA 9849 – Declaring EidulAdha as a National Holiday;
  • RA 10962 – Gift Check Act of 2017; and
  • RA 11032 – Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act

Ancestry

Personal life

Zubiri was born in Makati City, Philippines to a Negrense father of Spanish Basque heritage, Jose Maria Rubin Zubiri Jr. from Kabankalan City in the province of Negros Occidental and a mother, Maria Victoria Ocampo Fernandez of Libon, Albay who was raised in the province of Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao. He speaks Cebuano, Tagalog, English, and his father's native Hiligaynon. His father Jose Maria is the incumbent governor of Bukidnon.

Zubiri maintains a residence in the province of Bukidnon.

Notable Positions and Affiliations
  • President and Chairman, Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation
  • Governor of the Philippine Red Cross
  • Member, Rotary Club of Makati
  • Governor, Ranchers' Club Philippines 1989– University of the Philippines Los Banos chapter[27]
  • Chairman, Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Bukidnon Chapter
  • Chairman, Paglaum Foundation
  • Member, Upsilon Phi Sigma Fraternity and Sorority
  • President of the KATALA Foundation
  • President of the Philippine Deer Foundation

References
  1. "Zubiri elected as Senate President Pro Tempore". Senate of the Philippines. June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  2. Lazatin, Hannah (July 1, 2019). "Inside the Charmed and Restless Life of Audrey Tan Zubiri". esquiremag.ph. Esquire Philippines. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  3. "Zubiri, Juan Miguel (Migz)". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 17, 2007. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  4. "Zubiri is new Senate Majority Leader". GMA News Online.
  5. "Zubiri elected as Senate majority leader". GMA News Online.
  6. "Zubiri takes his oath as PEKAF Chairman". Senate.gov.ph. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  7. "Philippine Red Cross | Humanitarian Organization in the Philippines".
  8. Zubiri resigns amid poll fraud scandal | Inquirer News. Newsinfo.inquirer.net (August 3, 2011). Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  9. Zubiri to give up Senate seat | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  10. Senator Zubiri resigns amid 2007 poll fraud controversy – Nation – GMA News Online – Latest Philippine News. Gmanews.tv. Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  11. Zubiri resigns from Senate Archived March 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Interaksyon.com (June 15, 1991). Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  12. "With resignation, Zubiri makes Senate history". GMA News Online.
  13. Leon Mangubat (November 22, 2020). "To help cope with twin bouts of COVID-19, Migz Zubiri turned to arnis". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  14. "Arnis Phils. out, PEKAF in". SunStar. March 30, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  15. "The Philippine Daily Tribune". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on July 15, 2007.
  16. "ABS-CBN News". Archived from the original on July 1, 2007.
  17. Inquirer.net, SC paves way for Zubiri proclamation Archived July 15, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. None. Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  18. www.gmanews.tv, Zubiri: SC decision a big morale booster. Gmanews.tv. Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  19. "– Philstar.com- Food vs. Fuel issue not applicable to RP". The Philippine STAR.
  20. "Senator Zubiri resigns amid 2007 poll fraud controversy". GMA News Online.
  21. "Enrile commends Zubiri; resignation saddened colleagues". balita.ph - Online Filipino News. August 3, 2011.
  22. Senator Zubiri resigns from post, to run in 2013 – Yahoo!. Ph.news.yahoo.com (August 3, 2011). Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  23. "KUWTT: Zubiri next Senate chief". The Manila Times. June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  24. "Cynthia Villar gives up on Senate presidency, backs Zubiri instead". Rappler. June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  25. "Migz Zubiri is next Senate president". Malaya. June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  26. Luna, Franco (July 25, 2022). "Zubiri is new Senate president". Philippine Star. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  27. Body Talk with Migz Zubiri | Entertainment, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com Philstar.com › entertainment › 2013/05/04
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