From the Ashes

Much like the Phoenix that must burn in order to rise, there is no great success without great failure. Tatler Philippines speaks to five notable personalities with compelling stories, who share the valuable lessons they’ve learnt from their darkest hours

- Stephanie Zubiri

Senator Migz Zubiri

From election controversy to redemption, his historic resignation from office restored the country’s faith in this tireless public servant, who now serves as senate majority floor leader

Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri had a stellar record in Congress and was an excellent candidate for senator in the 2007 polls. Although proclaimed by the Commission on Elections, the young politician won the last seat by only a small margin over his colleague, tarnishing his victory with controversy. Despite passing numerous bills and gaining the Majority Leadership position, he was still battered by the opposition who were relentless in their claims of election fraud, tenaciously pursuing investigations. By mid-2011, hard evidence proved that the electoral results were in fact doctored. Zubiri was devastated and proclaimed his innocence, declaring that he had no knowledge of, nor did he order or condone, the fraud. In August 2011, he did the unthinkable and resigned, becoming the first and only Filipino politician to surrender his seat due to questions of legitimacy or controversy. After losing in the 2013 elections, Zubiri decided to retire from politics. In 2016, he ran again, this time as an independent. Running without a political party, he was uncontestably victorious at sixth place. “I could base my decisions on what was best for our people, rather than what was best for a few,” Zubiri explains as to why this was an important choice for him. Today, this Senate Majority Floor Leader is a highly respected public servant, having passed a number of crucial laws including the historic Bangsamoro Organic Law, ending years of conflict in Muslim Mindanao.