Zubiri resignation could be start of ‘healing wounds of past’—Palace

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday said they respected Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s decision to resign from his post, saying it could be a start of “healing the wounds of the past”.

“We respect the decision of Mr. Zubiri to relinquish his post in the Senate. It represents a way forward to start healing the wounds of the past. We thank him for the service he has given our countrymen,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement on the Official Gazette, the Palace’s official website.

“We call on Mr. 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.

Zubiri, in a privilege speech at the Senate Wednesday afternoon, declared his resignation from office amid accusations of election fraud in 2007.

An election protest, filed by 2007 senatorial candidate Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, is still pending at the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Pimentel claimed that he was cheated during the 2007 elections, which resulted in Zubiri’s winning the 12th seat in the Senate.