MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe has officially finished her job in the Senate after 12 years. On Wednesday, she gave a heartfelt goodbye speech to thank everyone who trusted her and gave her the chance to help the country.
Grace Poe first became a senator in 2013 and was elected again in 2019. In both elections, she got over 20 million votes, which means many Filipinos believed in her.
In her 12 years in the Senate, she worked very hard. She wrote and filed nearly 700 bills — these are ideas for new laws. Out of those, 368 bills actually became laws that now help real people.
On June 12, 2025, the Senate held its final meeting before starting a new session. This meeting ended at 9:50 p.m. and included farewell speeches from all senators whose terms are ending.
Senator Poe spoke proudly but humbly. She said:
“I’m not just a lawmaker. I’m someone who learned that what matters most isn’t the title, but the trust and dreams of the people I serve.”
She also said:
“Even though I’m leaving the Senate, I will always carry the lessons I learned, the good memories, and my deep love for our country — even during the hard times.”
💡 Here Are Some of the Helpful Laws She Helped Create:
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First 1,000 Days Law
This law helps make sure babies and their mothers get the right care, especially in the baby’s first 1,000 days of life. -
National Child Feeding Program
This law gives healthy food to school children so they can grow strong and stay focused in class. -
Bigger Pension for Poor Senior Citizens
This law gives extra money to old people who don’t have enough income. -
Free Funeral Services Law
This law helps families who can’t afford funeral services when a loved one passes away. -
Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act
This law makes sure people get free alerts on their phones during emergencies like typhoons or earthquakes. -
Public Service Act
This law helps improve public services like transportation, water, and electricity by allowing more help from experts and investors. -
Simulated Birth Rectification Act
This law helps children who were adopted without legal papers get their real names and documents fixed properly. -
Domestic Administrative Adoption Act
This law makes it easier and faster for families to legally adopt children in the Philippines.
📅 What Happens Next?
The 19th Congress will end on June 30, 2025. The 20th Congress starts on July 1, and they will have their first big meeting on July 28, where the President will give a speech called the State of the Nation Address.
Even though Grace Poe is leaving her job in the Senate, many people will remember her hard work and the good things she did for the country.
