Manila, Philippines - Juan Ponce Enrile, the Senate President for more than four years officially resigned on his post today, June 5 during the last day of the 15th Congress. JPE main reason of resignation is to protect his honor and dignity.
In his valedictory speech, JPE said “I refuse to lend my hard-earned name as a convenient refuge to those who cannot face the public and defend their own honor. I refuse to allow anybody, whether in or outside the halls of this Chamber, to just freely trample upon the name that my late father, Alfonso Ponce Enrile, had so kindly allowed me to carry with pride.”
Enrile became controversial last year because of the alleged “cash gifts” he gave to colleagues.
Enrile also brought up the controversy over funds set aside for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), saying his colleagues kept their distance while he was being beaten in public.
He pointed out some vicious attacks against him and his son outgoing Cagayan Rep. Juan "Jack" Ponce Enrile Jr. Jack's Enrile's senatorial candidacy on last month election is said to have been affected by the issue. Jack did no make it to the senate 'Magic 12'.
Enrile said that the issues of trasparency and accountability must not be forgotten."The Senate neither begins nor ends with Juan Ponce Enrile. This chamber has its honor to uphold."
Here's the video of Enrile's privilege speech, June 5, 2013. Video courtesy of Rappler.com.
It is reported that Franklin Drilon will be replacing Enrile for Senate presidency. However, under the rules of the upper chamber, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada would be the acting president.
This post will be updated for the official announcement of the new Senate President.
In his valedictory speech, JPE said “I refuse to lend my hard-earned name as a convenient refuge to those who cannot face the public and defend their own honor. I refuse to allow anybody, whether in or outside the halls of this Chamber, to just freely trample upon the name that my late father, Alfonso Ponce Enrile, had so kindly allowed me to carry with pride.”
Enrile became controversial last year because of the alleged “cash gifts” he gave to colleagues.
Enrile also brought up the controversy over funds set aside for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), saying his colleagues kept their distance while he was being beaten in public.
He pointed out some vicious attacks against him and his son outgoing Cagayan Rep. Juan "Jack" Ponce Enrile Jr. Jack's Enrile's senatorial candidacy on last month election is said to have been affected by the issue. Jack did no make it to the senate 'Magic 12'.
Enrile said that the issues of trasparency and accountability must not be forgotten."The Senate neither begins nor ends with Juan Ponce Enrile. This chamber has its honor to uphold."
Senate doesnt begin or end w/ Juan Ponce Enrile.Its institutional integrity means more to the people.My conduct isbefore nation to judge
— Cecilia Orena-Drilon (@cesdrilon) June 5, 2013
Here's the video of Enrile's privilege speech, June 5, 2013. Video courtesy of Rappler.com.
It is reported that Franklin Drilon will be replacing Enrile for Senate presidency. However, under the rules of the upper chamber, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada would be the acting president.
This post will be updated for the official announcement of the new Senate President.
