Senate ends third session, honors outgoing members

The Philippine Senate adjourned sine die on Wednesday night, marking the end of its third regular session in the 19th Congress and honoring outgoing members with individual resolutions.

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero officially closed the session by pounding the gavel at around 8:50 p.m., while senators including Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, and Ramon Revilla Jr. delivered emotional valedictory speeches reflecting on their service and expressing gratitude towards fellow colleagues and supporters.

Villar expressed her commitment to continue serving the public beyond her term, while Poe likened her journey to an ongoing story that will unfold in future chapters.

Binay recalled facing criticism when she first entered the Senate 12 years ago but turned it into a philosophy on niceness and treating others with respect and love.

The chamber also managed to ratify several bicameral conference committee reports, including the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, Amendments to Sections 134 and 168 of RA 8424, Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, and Philippine Nuclear Energy Safety Act before adjourning.