Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri had just announced his resignation from the Senate today August 3, 2011. The announcement was made today, Wednesday, August 3, 2011. The brilliant Senator stated that he and his family was deeply hurt by the poll fraud allegations. The resignation of the Senator from Bukidnon was a hot issue for the past few days.
According to Senator Zubiri he was resigning because of the unfounded accusations against him. The Senator was deeply hurt with the war that he waged against his rival and the trial by publicity made by his closest foe, lawyer Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Pimentel lost to Zubiri for the 12th senatorial spot during the 2007 National Elections.
Senator Zubiri was quoted as saying “Without admitting any fault and with my vehement denial of the alleged electoral fraud hurled against me, I am submitting my resignation as a duly elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines in the election for which I am falsely accused without mercy and comp(–foul word(s) removed–)ion,” Zubiri stated during his privileged speech.
The Senator was lauded upon by the Senators and the people who were attending the session and thousands of viewers who were watching live on television. Senator Zubiri announced his resignation at around 3 P.M. during his privileged speech. He had already served four years, two years short of the six-year term of a Senator.
Here is some excerpts from the resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri during his resignations:
“I am resigning, not because I am exhausted from the demands of my calling as a legislator. Hindi po ako napagod sa paglilingkod sa inyo [I never got tired of being of service to you],” he said.
“I am resigning, not because I wish to evade the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Handa ko pong tanggapin ang anumang hatol mula sa nasabing hukuman [I am ready to accept any verdict from the said tribubal].”
“Rather, 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,” the senator added.
Zubiri said he would be doing an “injustice” to his fellowmen and the institution if he would continue working “half-heartedly and without full concentration and devotion.” Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri was quoted during his privileged speech.
The resignation of Senator Zubiri was accepted by the Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.