Senate Unanimously Honors Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. for Three Decades of Service
In a significant gesture of appreciation, the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, adopted a resolution to commend Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service spanning nearly 32 years. The chamber, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, unanimously passed Resolution No. 32, expressing its highest commendation and gratitude to Bantug for his contributions to the institution and the nation.
Recognition of a Distinguished Career
Proposed as Senate Resolution No. 262 and authored by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the measure highlights Bantug's role in ensuring continuity, order, and institutional stability across different Congresses. Reading the resolution in plenary, Zubiri emphasized that it reflects the collective sentiment of the entire chamber.
"It is the sense of the Senate to express its highest commendation and gratitude to Senate Secretary Renato N. Bantug Jr. for his unwavering dedication and faithful service to the Philippine Senate," Zubiri stated during the session.
A Steady Presence Through Leadership Transitions
Co-sponsoring the resolution, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada praised Bantug's rise through the ranks, describing him as a steady presence amid shifting political landscapes. Bantug began his Senate career in 1995 as a Supervising Legislative Staff Officer and later held key positions, including:
- Legislative Director
- Executive Director for Legislation
- Acting Senate Legal Counsel
- Chief of Staff to Senate Leaders
He was elected Secretary of the Senate in 2022, capping a remarkable journey of public service. Estrada noted that Bantug's experience and institutional memory have earned the trust of senators across various Congresses, adding that "thirty-two years in the government—particularly in the Senate—is truly a lifetime of service."
Ensuring Order and Fairness in Legislative Sessions
In a separate manifestation, Senator Joel Villanueva highlighted Bantug's command of Senate rules and procedures, which has been instrumental in maintaining order and fairness during demanding legislative sessions. Villanueva remarked, "Ang maayos na takbo ng ating mga sesyon ay hindi lamang bunga ng mga desisyon ng mga mambabatas, kundi ng masusing paghahanda at tahimik na paggabay ng Secretariat sa pamumuno ni Secretary Bantug" (The smooth conduct of our sessions is not only the result of lawmakers' decisions, but also of the careful preparation and quiet guidance of the Secretariat under Secretary Bantug's leadership).
Affirmation of Appreciation for Career Public Servants
With the adoption of the resolution, senators underscored that this recognition affirms the Senate's deep appreciation for career public servants whose professionalism and dedication support the chamber's work beyond political terms. The event serves as a testament to the vital role of institutional knowledge and steadfast service in upholding the integrity and efficiency of the legislative process in the Philippines.
