MANILA, Philippines - Two senators on Monday said that Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile should not yet give up the Senate's top position.
Sen. Francis Escudero believes there is no compelling reason for a change in the Senate leadership. If Enrile will have other reasons -- such as health concerns, Escudero said he will respect the Senate President’s decision.
“That’s up to him. He knows best when it comes to that issue and I will always accept and respect a person’s personal stand on holding because to hold otherwise would be involuntary servitude,” Escudero said.
“Absent that, all I am saying is that there is, as of yet, no compelling reason or issue to have a change of leadership in the Senate,” Escudero added.
Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr also joined the random statement of support by colleagues after Enrile said on Sunday about he is ready give up the Senate presidency, citing health reasons.
“I believe that SP Enrile has it in him to continue leading the institution, but I understand where he is coming from, especially considering his personal circumstances,” Revilla said in a statement.
Revilla assured him of his full support “whatever decision he makes in time.”
“I am almost certain that he enjoys support from our colleagues,” Revilla said.
Revilla also gave accolades to the 88-year old Enrile for serving the Senate presidency well since his designation in 2008.
“I greatly look up to Senate President Enrile, and I am sure that despite the differences of opinion in the Senate, all of us have great respect for what the institution has accomplished under his leadership,” Revilla said.
Revilla, who now heads the Lakas-NUCD party, noted how Enrile has succeeded in transcending party lines, ensuring that the Senate work for the people.
“Nobody can underestimate how Enrile ran the affairs of the Senate and the accomplishments under his leadership. He is not just a good leader, he is also a good friend. I consider him not only a mentor but also like a father,” Revilla added.
Apart from Revilla and Escudero, Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, majority leader Vicente Sotto III, Senators Gregorio Honasan and Panfilo Lacson have earlier expressed optimism that Enrile will remain at the helm of the Senate at least until after the May elections.
On Sunday, Enrile said he is prepared to step down from the post by June or July or by the time there is a new set of 12 senators who may comprise a new majority after the elections.
Enrile also admitted that old age is coping up with him. He is turning 89 years old on February 14.