Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri Resigns!

By Gelovsky
August 03, 2011

"I am resigning because of these unfounded accusations against me and these issues has systematically divided our nation and has casted doubts in our electoral system which has affected not only myself, this Institution but the public as well."

It was just this afternoon (August 03), when Senator Zubiri proclaimed his resignation through his privilege speech, amidst the allegation of electoral fraud happened during the national election in 2007.

Senator Zubiri formally resigned from his post as a senator of the Republic of the Philippines, but he repeatedly insisted that he didn’t participate nor asked someone to manipulate the electoral result.  He further reiterated that he’s resigning because he wants to preserve his honor and dignity as a person, and as a public official. The baseless accusations of electoral fraud according to him have caused him and his family so much hurt, thus giving him enough reason to leave the upper chamber. 

During his privilege speech, Senator Miguel Zubiri bragged his achievements during the past 4 years that he has been with the senate, including his legacy during his formative years as a congressman in the lower house.  He also mentioned about his outstanding perfect attendance during his term, the abstinence of using “WANG-WANG” (siren), and the substantial bills that he passed, which includes Education, Health, Environment and local infrastructures.

After his privilege speech, he took the opportunity to thank his colleagues and office staff one by one about the fruitful years he has spent with them.  He also expressed his gratitude to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who have given him fatherly  advice during the times that they’ve worked together.

On the other hand, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was still in shock during the said incident while expressing words of flattery and gratitude towards Senator Miguel Zubiri. He pronounced that this is the first time that an incumbent senator is resigning from his post, and what the senator did was a perfect example of "BAYAN MUNA BAGO ANG SARILI" ( a selfless act of serving the country before oneself).  He told everyone that he hasn’t accepted the resignation yet, for it still needs to be discussed and evaluated by the senate.  He also restated that it’s purely in their discretion, whether they’re going to accept his resignation.

As of the moment, though Sen. Miguel Zubiri’s resignation was irrevocable, it’s still not yet effective unless it’s already accepted by the Senate. It also doesn’t automatically make senate aspirant KoKo Pimentel the winner yet, since his protest should still be backed up with evidences, and the final decision would still come up with the electoral tribunal.

It can be remembered that there were lots of rumors where electoral results particularly in Mindanao were manipulated in favor of the administration party headed by the former President and incumbent Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo.  This said incident has led to various electoral protest, which includes senate aspirant KoKo Pimentel.  It can be noted that it was a head to head battle between the two for the 12^th position on the senate, which later resulted in favor of Senator Miguel Zubiri.

The hanging question now for many is that, is it the best option for him  to do?  or it just makes him more guilty of the electoral fraud?