Enrile: Senate yet to decide on Zubiri resignation

MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile lauded Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s resignation as the “highest form of moral courage” but said the Senate would not rush its decision on Zubiri’s move.

“As head of this chamber, I will tell you, I will study your resignation and make a decision in due time,” said Enrile, who was presiding over the session when Zubiri announced his resignation as senator on Wednesday.

“I will consult the members of this chamber about this. We are not going to do this rushly for today, we are witnessing the happening of the historical event for this is the first time within the reach of my memory of my 87 years in this planet. This is the first time that a man, a member of this chamber chose honor ahead of himself,” he said.

Enrile described Zubiri’s move as the “highest form of moral courage.”

“Many people in this life possess physical courage but very rarely bone would see a man standing up for what he really believes in,” he said.

“It’s the highest form of moral courage to uphold one’s honor and die for it if necessary to show that there’s something more valuable than power, wealth and life itself…”he said

“I’m sad that we are going to lose you but what you showed us, to the Filipino people, will be remembered and your detractors would be chastised and you would be here again with the members of the Senate. We cannot stop you for what you did because it’s a matter of honor,” Enrile added.