SAN Juan City Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada lauded the decision of majority of the Senators to allow Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile to remain in his post.
Enrile, in an unexpected turn of events on Jan. 21, moved to declare vacant the post of Senate President over allegations that he bribed senators by giving them “cash gifts.”
In his privilege speech at the Senate, Enrile accused his colleague-detractors of spreading “lies” aimed at generating support to have him ousted as Senate President. He then sought to declare the Senate Presidency vacant to allow his detractors to run for the post.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto and 10 senators, including members of the administration Liberal Party, however, rejected Enrile’s motion thus allowing him to remain as Senate President.
“Senate President Enrile deserves the newest affirmation given by majority of the Senators,” said Ejercito Estrada. “It only shows that he still has the respect of majority of his colleagues in the Senate.”
The young legislator also said that the accusations being thrown against Enrile by his detractors are baseless and unfounded. “I have known Sen. Enrile for a long time. I know him as a decent and prudent government official, especially when it comes to disposition of people’s money. He does not deserve to be pilloried for political end.”
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Press Release
January 21, 2013
