Church Leaders laud Resignation of Philippine’s Senator

August 05, 2011: Church leaders in Philippines on Friday lauded the resignation of senator Juan Miguel Zubiri amid allegations that he cheated during the 2007 election. Zubiri resigned as a senator on Wednesday because of what he described as “unfounded accusations” against him. Father Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said “What he did was commendable. I share the sentiments of the senate in praising Senator Zubiri.”
Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan said what Zubiri did was very gentlemanly. Henrietta de Villa, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting said: “It’s a very encouraging development which augurs well for an unencumbered investigation of the 2004 and 2007 elections.” Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon urged former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to follow Zubiri’s lead. Arroyo has been accused by her detractors of masterminding alleged fraud during the 2004 and 2007 elections.