Senator Zubiri resigns

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri announced his resignation on Wednesday amid accusations of cheating in the 2007 elections.

"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 compassion," Zubiri said in a privilege speech.

"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," 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.

"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."

Zuburi's victory in the 2007 elections has been contested by Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III. Zubiri was 12th and Pimentel was 13th in the senatorial results. Pimentel filed a protest before the Senate Electoral Tribunal alleging fraud.

In spite of Zubiri's resignation, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said that he has yet to accept Zubiri's resignation. — DBL