Grace Poe Bids Senate Farewell After 12 Years, Reflects on Legacy of Service and Legislation

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday delivered a heartfelt valedictory address as she concluded her two-term, 12-year career in the Senate, expressing deep gratitude to the Filipino people for their enduring trust and support.

“I stand before you, not just as a lawmaker, but as your humbled public servant who has learned that the real power of this office lies not in the title, but in the trust and dreams of the people we serve,” Poe said in her final speech, delivered before the Senate adjourned sine die at 9:50 p.m.

Poe, who first won a Senate seat in 2013 and was reelected in 2019 with over 20 million votes in each election, exits the chamber with an extensive legislative record. Over her 12-year tenure, she filed nearly 700 measures, with 368 of them becoming law.

Her notable legislative achievements include the First 1,000 Days Law, National Child Feeding Law, Increase in Social Pension for Indigent Seniors Law, Free Funeral Services Law, Free Mobile Disasters Alert Act, Public Service Act, Simulated Birth Rectification Act, and Domestic Administrative Adoption Act—laws that collectively reflect her advocacy for children, the elderly, and the vulnerable.

“As I exit the Senate, I carry with me the lessons, the laughter, and the love for this country that has given me so much, even when it gave me the hardest roles to play,” she said, alluding to both her political challenges and triumphs.

The 19th Congress formally concludes on June 30. The 20th Congress will begin on July 1 and officially open on July 28, during the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.

Poe’s departure marks the end of a Senate era shaped by her calm leadership and persistent focus on public welfare—a legacy that her supporters say will remain influential beyond her years in office.