Says cheating allegation has taken toll on family, nation
Zubiri speech Honor and Integrity
Malaya
Amid allegations he benefited from the supposed cheating in the 2007 elections, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri yesterday announced his resignation, a move seen by colleagues and even his opponents as an act of statesmanship.
“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 an emotional privilege speech.
Aquilino “Koko “ Pimentel III I: I commend him for the rare act of resigning but na-disappoint lang ako na parang may denial pa siya na nagkaroon ng dayaan sa Maguindanao which was the reason why he got proclaimed in the first place. Hindi po baseless and unfounded ang charges of election fraud in Maguindanao. Proven na po iyon.”
“I am resigning, not because I am exhausted from the demands of my calling as a legislator. . I am resigning, not because I wish to evade the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Handa kong tanggapin ang anumang hatol mula sa nasabing hukuman,” he said.