By KIMBERLY JANE TAN, GMA News - Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, whose victory in the 2007 midterm elections is being questioned before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET), has resigned from his post. He announced his resignation in a privilege speech Wednesday.
"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 his speech.
Family is hurt
In his speech, Zubiri, who comes from a political clan in Bukidnon, said his family was hurt by the "unfounded" accusations against him.
"My political detractors began calling me ugly names and dragging the name of my family in entirety. In other words, Mr. President, the trial by publicity has begun," he said.
[FULL TEXT: 'Honor and Integrity': Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri's privilege speech]
"Sa harap ng Diyos at sa harap ng tao ay nais kong pagtibayin na hindi ako nandaya at wala akong kinausap upang mandaya para sa akin sa halalan. Ang lahat ng akusasyon laban sa akin ay pawang walang katotohanan," he added.
Zubiri also said he and his family "would never tolerate any form of electoral fraud."
Ready to face SET decision
Zubiri, who was a congressman before he became a senator, said his resignation does not mean he is evading any possible ruling by the SET.
"I am resigning not because I wish to evade the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Handa po akong tanggapin ang anumang hatol mula sa nasabing hukuman," he said.
Recently, Zaldy Ampatuan, a suspect in the Maguindanao massacre case and suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor, claimed that during the 2007 polls, the camp of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the votes for three opposition senatorial candidates in Maguindanao to be transferred to Zubiri.
The claim was corroborated by Lintang Bedol, a former election supervisor in Maguindanao.
At least three resolutions seeking an inquiry into alleged anomalies in the 2007 polls have been filed before the Senate and House of Representatives.
Pimentel, son of former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., has said that Ampatuan’s revelation justified his electoral protest.
SET decision
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a member of the SET, told GMA News Online that the body has not yet decided on the protest.
"Ballots (are) still being revised based on Zubiri's counter protest. That's the status of the SET case. No final decision is being prepared at this time," he said on Wednesday.
He likewise refused to comment on what the next procedure is for the vacancy left by Zubiri. "Let's just wait for developments if any," he said.
Zubiri's term was supposed to end in 2013.
Palace, Binay laud Zubiri
Malacañang, meanwhile, lauded Zubiri for his decision to resign, saying it "represents a way forward to start healing the wounds of the past."
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda called on Zubiri to "further demonstrate his willingness to help restore the dignity of our electoral process."
"Any contribution he makes can be vital in restoring the people's mandate and in giving the Filipinos the meaningful electoral reforms they rightfully deserve," Lacierda said in a statement.
For his part, Vice President Jejomar Binay said: "I have the highest respect for Miguel Zubiri and his reason for resigning from the Senate. His resignation helps reinforce the people's faith in our leaders and shows that decency is very much alive in our political institutions. I hope he will continue his advocacies, particularly for the environment, as a private citizen." - with Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News
