ZUBIRI’S HONOURABLE EXIT

by Earlie Doriman

According to Mark Twain; ‘It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.’

Senator Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri

The unexpected yet intrepid resignation of Migz Zubiri as a Philippine senator demonstrates the honourable display of moral courage that politics and politicians nowadays rarely possess. It is a truly remarkable gesture of respect and deference to an institution that should always be faultless and decent not only in the eyes of the Filipino people but also to the world. His example would surely leave a historical significance in the political life of the country which is over and again flawed by massive embarrassment of scandals and corruption. Mr Zubiri’s valiant act would, for a long time possible, create a revolutionary paradigm of morally sensible governance and leadership.

The Implication of His Resignation

At this point, many people and critics are probably wandering, at least in their thoughts, what exactly is his motive for resigning. Others might deduce that this could be another political propaganda for his future plans in the government or most likely an early confession of guilt. That indeed he cheated in 2007 senatorial elections and before the electoral tribunal could find him culpable; he has to leave a graceful exit to save his face and his family from the deep shame.  Nevertheless, his resignation is more meaningful than the truth around the election fraud. It means dignity and hope - Dignity for the senate to function conscientiously and faithfully according to the constitution; and Hope that there are still politicians who could be so humble to step down from their office for the sake of the nation.

I admire Mr Zubiri for his courage, for telling the Filipino people that he is not selfishly hungry for power, that his purpose is a genuine public service, and that his family and their welfare and honour are more precious than his political career. It is truly remarkable to give up a power that most are obsessed to obtain, honestly or fraudulently. Whilst others are starving to get a seat, someone has tendered his resignation not because he is guilty of the accusation, but because he believes that by doing so he could help secure the sanctity of an institution that is ought to serve its people.

Election Fraud in Mindanao

Over these days, it would be too surprising not to notice headlines about reports of massive election fraud in Mindanao in both 2004 and 2007 elections. The principal culprit? It is no longer startling - The Arroyo administration. Gloria Arroyo, in her severely selfish desire to become the president of the Philippines, she did everything she could to secure her winning by cheating and deceiving the nation. You do not need to ask me if I am convinced about the ‘Hello Garci’ and the switching of election returns at the congress because I do believe that she masterminded the election fraud in those years. So that she has both the houses of representatives and the senate on her side whilst she was the president, she made sure her allies to win the elections ‘whatever it takes’. Migz Zubiri, being an administration candidate in 2007 senatorial election could just be a victim of this deception.

The Words to Remember

Listening to his privilege speech at the senate, I am satisfied that his resignation is not politically motivated but of integrity.  And his words are genuinely truthful and sensible.

" I am resigning because of these unfounded accusations against me and these issues has systematically divided our nation and has cast doubts in our electoral system which has affected not only myself, this Institution but the public as well,"

"And as a legislator, who is being referred to in the Senate as “Your Honor”, I believe that my honor is something that should never be subject to taint,"

"Without admitting any fault and with my vehement denial of the alleged electoral fraud hurled against me, I am submitting my resignation as a duly elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines in the election for which I am falsely accused without mercy and compassion,"

"I have seen and felt the suffering of my family, and from the burrows of my conscience, I could not allow this to happen, let alone be tolerated,"

"I did not cheat nor ask anyone to cheat for me and my family. We would never tolerate any form of electoral fraud,"