Juan Miguel Zubiri has just resigned as Senator of the Philippines. This is in line with accusations hurled against him by criminals (Ampatuan and Bedol) who've been arrested for mass murder and for election fraud. I wonder why it has gotten mixed reactions?
Sixto Brillantes feels it is tantamount to an admission of guilt. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile feels that the resignation should be subjected to a caucus by the senate. Senator Jinggoy Estrada feels that he has resigned his post to the people who elected him into office. Sec. Leila de Lima says his resignation does not give him the license to take the post vacated by the Sen. Zubiri unless the Commission on Elections declares close rival Coco Pimentel as rightful senator elect.
At his live interview over the news, Sen. Zubiri declares his conscience is clear over alleged election fraud and that he does not wish to carry on his position knowing that he was the direct beneficiary of cheating during the 2007 elections. Socialite Vicky Zubiri was seen wiping away tears as her son delivered his resignation speech. So were Sen. Zubiri's staff. The poor employees were in tears more so because they now face an uncertain tenure since they now have no one to work for.
In other countries such as Japan and the United States, elected officials resign at the first whiff of a scandal. So why is it such a big deal then that we're all agog at Sen. Zubiri's resignation... well, they say the first time is always something one never forgets... finally, someone had the chutzpah to start an honorable trend...
Let's just hope this thing doesn't fizzle out...
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