Migz Zubiri facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Migz Zubiri
Zubiri in 2023
24th President of the Senate of the Philippines
In office July 25, 2022 – May 20, 2024
Preceded by	Tito Sotto
Succeeded by	Francis Escudero
President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines
Acting
In office June 30, 2022 – July 25, 2022
Preceded by	Ralph Recto
Succeeded by	Loren Legarda
Senate Majority Leader
In office May 21, 2018 – June 30, 2022
Preceded by	Tito Sotto
Succeeded by	Joel Villanueva
In office November 17, 2008 – June 30, 2010
Preceded by	Francis Pangilinan
Succeeded by	Tito Sotto
Senator of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2016
In office June 30, 2007 – August 3, 2011
Chair of the Senate Cooperatives Committee
In office July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2022
Preceded by	Lito Lapid
Succeeded by	Imee Marcos
Chair of the Senate Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship Committee
In office July 25, 2016 – May 25, 2018
Preceded by	Bam Aquino (as Trade and Commerce)
Succeeded by	Koko Pimentel
Member of the House of Representatives from Bukidnon's 3rd district
In office June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007
Preceded by	Jose Maria Zubiri Jr.
Succeeded by	Jose Zubiri III
Personal details
Born	Juan Miguel Fernandez Zubiri (1969-04-13) April 13, 1969 (age 56) Makati, Rizal, Philippines
Political party	Independent (2011–2012; 2014–present)
Other political affiliations	UNA (2012–2014) Lakas–CMD (1998–2011) NPC (1998)
Spouse	Audrey Tan ​ (m. 2005)​
Children	3
Alma mater	University of the Philippines Los Baños (BS) University of the Philippines Open University (MENRM)
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Businessperson
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Philippines
Branch/service	Armed Forces of the Philippines
Years of service	2024–present
Rank	Lieutenant colonel (reserve)
Migz Zubiri Sport Country Philippines Sport Arnis Medal record Arnis Representing  Philippines WEKAF World Championships Gold 1989 Cebu City

Juan Miguel "Migz" Fernandez Zubiri (born April 13, 1969) is a well-known Filipino politician. He has served as a Senator of the Philippines for many years. From 2022 to 2024, he held the important position of Senate President.

He has been a Senator for three terms, first from 2007 to 2011, and then again from 2016 until now. Before becoming a Senator, he was a Senate Majority Leader. He also represented the 3rd district of Bukidnon in the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007.

Migz Zubiri is also the current chairman of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation. He is also the vice chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. In 2011, he resigned from the Senate after some questions arose about the 2007 elections. He always denied these claims. His resignation was a unique event in Senate history.

Early Life and Education

Juan Miguel Fernandez Zubiri was born in Makati, Philippines. His father, Jose Maria Zubiri Jr., came from Negros Occidental. His mother, Maria Victoria Ocampo Fernandez, grew up in Bukidnon.

Migz Zubiri can speak several languages. These include Cebuano, Tagalog, English, and Hiligaynon. His father, Jose Maria, was also a former governor of Bukidnon.

He attended Colegio San Agustin-Makati for his elementary and high school education. He then studied at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. There he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management. Later, he also got a Master's degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management. This was from the University of the Philippines Open University.

Sports Achievements

Migz Zubiri is very involved in Arnis, which is the national sport of the Philippines. He started training in this martial art when he was sixteen years old. In 1989, he won the Arnis World Championship title. He beat Jeff Finder from the United States in that competition.

He was chosen as the first president and chairman of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF). This organization was created in 2017. It became the official national sports association for Arnis in the Philippines.

His Political Journey

Migz Zubiri has had a long career in Philippine politics. He started by working for his father. Then he ran for office himself.

Serving in Congress

From 1995 to 1998, he worked as the chief of staff for his father, Representative Jose Maria Zubiri, Jr. In 1998, his father could no longer run for the same position. So, Migz Zubiri ran for the seat representing the third district of Bukidnon. He won easily in the 1998 elections.

During his first term, he was part of a group of new congressmen. They were called the "Spice Boys" by the media. This group was known for speaking out against the government at the time. He was re-elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in 2001 and 2004.

Becoming a Senator

After serving three terms in Congress, he decided to run for the Senate. He was part of the TEAM Unity ticket in the 2007 elections. This group supported President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In the 2007 senatorial race, Migz Zubiri won the last Senate spot. He narrowly beat Koko Pimentel. There were some questions about the votes from Maguindanao province. Pimentel asked the Supreme Court to look into these votes.

The Supreme Court decided against Pimentel's request. They allowed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to count the votes for Zubiri. On July 14, 2007, Zubiri was officially announced as a Senator.

Senator Zubiri (2nd from left) with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (center) in October 2008

While in the Senate, Zubiri promoted the study of biofuels. He believed this could help prevent food shortages. It could also reduce the country's reliance on imported oil. In 2008, he became the Senate Majority Leader. During his time as Majority Leader, the Senate passed a record 650 bills.

On August 3, 2011, Migz Zubiri announced his resignation from the Senate. He said his family was affected by the accusations against him. He denied any wrongdoing and stated he was falsely accused. His resignation was seen as a step that helped restore faith in national elections.

In 2013, Zubiri ran for the Senate again but did not win. In 2016, he ran as an independent candidate. He was supported by many political parties. He won, placing sixth in the polls.

In 2018, he was again elected as Senate Majority Leader. This happened when Tito Sotto became Senate President. In 2022, Zubiri successfully kept his Senate seat. He ran as an independent candidate and received nearly 19 million votes.

Serving as Senate President (2022–2024)

Zubiri (top left) during President Bongbong Marcos's 2022 State of the Nation Address.

In May 2022, he announced he wanted to become Senate President. This is a very important role. On July 25, 2022, Migz Zubiri was elected as Senate President. He was the only person nominated for the position.

On May 20, 2024, Zubiri resigned from his role as Senate President. Senator Francis Escudero took over the position. In his farewell speech, Zubiri said he supported the independence of his fellow senators. He mentioned that he did not follow instructions from "higher authorities." He emphasized his commitment to the Senate's integrity.

Personal Life

Migz Zubiri married Audrey Tan in 2005. They have three children together.

He is also a reserve officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Since April 2024, he holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Zubiri and his family meet Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square, Vatican City in 2024

After meeting Pope Francis in June 2024, Zubiri shared that the Pope asked him to "protect the Filipino family."