Senator Juan Ponce Enrile Resigns

If you need a surprise for today, here's something that would somehow shock you.

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile resigns as the senate president earlier today, June 5, 2013.

This day is the last day of the 15th Congress.

The resignation as announced by Senator Enrile himself is irrevocable, meaning that it cannot be changed, reversed, or recovered, because it is considered firm and final upon serving.

In his speech at the senate floor, Enrile 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."

Rumors that the administration party would push a new senate president to replace Enrile should the 16th Congress opens in July has been on news online and on television from this past weeks. The administration senators had the majority members on the senate, the very reason anyone who has political mind that the administration-majority would put a leader among them is obvious.

Meanwhile, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago - a known personal enemy of senator Enrile, on separate interview had first spoke that the senate president would be replace soon considering the numbers of administration's senator-candidates who won from the previous national election.

Senator Santiago, to put some kick on her words said that Enrile should really be replaced because of his age.

To answer this, on his resignation speech, Enrile said "I can still see and read clearly the handwriting on the wall. I need not be told by anyone when it is time for me to go."

Malacanang palace through Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said "..As one of the veteran members of the Senate, his voice, views, and expertise in the legislative process will continue to contribute to the crafting of laws and the deliberations of the upper house,"

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile was Senate president for 1,661 days, or four years, six months, and 19 days.

(Photo by Ron Dorendo)