Sen. Migz Zubiri answered the recent criticism against him
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri clarified his viral “pagod na pagod na ako.”
The viral statement came on Day 21 of the impeachment trial, where Zubiri pointed out that lawmakers were working 12-hour days, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
This was for the aim to accommodate both morning trial hearings and afternoon legislative sessions.
During a press briefing on Thursday, September 3, 2026, based on the article in GMA News, Zubiri addressed the online backlash he received because of his statement.
He explained the workload that the Senators are currently facing. Zubiri said that he was simply being candid about his physical exhaustion and was not complaining about his workload.
The lawmaker noted that senators are simultaneously juggling three big responsibilities nowadays. They had to work on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, deliberations for the proposed 2027 national budget, and regular legislative sessions.
Sen. Migz Zubiri also emphasized that it is the first time for the Senate to handle all three major activities at the same time.
“Kasi ako, I’m very candid, so I just tell them how I feel. Kaya naiipit ako minsan… No [I’m not complaining]. I’m being honest. It doesn’t matter kung pagod na pagod ako, gagawin namin ang aming tungkulin…” he said.
The Senator assured the public that despite the physical exhaustion, he and his fellow senators remain completely committed to their duties. He also said that they are willing to work around the clock if necessary.
Amid this issue, Senator Robin Padilla defended Senator Migz Zubiri. The actor-politician stressed that his fellow senator was not complaining and was merely stating his condition. Padilla also said that Zubiri is really hardworking and that they are trying hard to squeeze everything into their schedule.
