Juan Ponce Enrile Resigned as Senate President

Embattled Senator Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday tendered his “irrevocable” resignation as Senate president.

Enrile made the announcement following the privilege speech he delivered during the last session day of the 15th Congress.

“Let us all be men and women worthy of being called ‘Honorable Senators.’ Let the chips fall where they may… May God bless our country and our people,” Enrile said.

This came a week after Senator Franklin Drilon said Enrile allowed the Liberal Party (LP) to court senators that are aligned with him in the so-called “Macho Bloc.”

The “Macho Bloc” is a group of senators composed of Enrile, Estrada as well as Senators Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan and Vicente “Tito” Sotto, who are associated with the opposition.

Drilon, who admitted seeking the senate presidency for the opening of 16th Congress in July, added Enrile assured him of United Nationalist Coalition (UNA)’s commitment to be a constructive opposition in the Senate.

Senators went to the Senate lounge after Senate President Pro-Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said they will have a short caucus to discuss the issue.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile