Negros officials, sugar barons laud Zubiri for his 'delicadeza', say his resignation a big loss to the province

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  - Negros Occidental officials and sugar leaders lauded Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri for his sense of "delicadeza" in resigning amid the controversy on alleged fraud in the 2007 elections.

They however expressed sadness, saying his resignation will be a big loss to the province.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said, "I take my hats off to Senator Zubiri, but I am sad because he is one of the senators who helped our province very much. He is a loss to our province. He is a rare politician, a rare breed in Filipino politics."

The governor said Zubiri's resignation goes to show that he is an honorable man. Some politicians would stubbornly cling to their positions even if evidences already point to their guilt, he said.

Zubiri often visits Negros Occidental and always willing to help us, said Marañon, adding that the senator had given funds to all 19 towns and 13 cities in Negros Occidental last year, and this year from his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The League of Municipalities in the Philippines-Negros Occidental and the Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives, in a statement, lauded the act of Zubiri.

E. B. Magalona town Mayor David Albert Lacson, president of both organizations, said: "Zubiri is truly a rare breed of politician worthy of emulation. He proved that he's not after the power but the dignity of his family. He acted as a true statesman with delicadeza."

Lacson asked the Negrenses to stop speculating that Zubiri was "guilty" of poll fraud forcing him to resign from his current post. "Let us be reminded that allegations of rigging the 2007 elections that catapulted him (Zubiri) to power remain to be proven yet," said the mayor.

Enrique Rojas, president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, said: "I am saddened by his resignation because he is a staunch supporter of the sugar industry and we thank him for that. On the other hand, I admire his decision in valuing honor more than his position."

Raymond Montinola, chairman of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations-Negros Panay chapter, said: "We commend his actions to protect his honor and integrity above all. We, his CONFED family, assure Migz of our unwavering support." 

CONFED-Negros Panay chapter director Luis Tongoy added that aside from enacting important legislation on cooperatives, bio-fuels and renewable energy, Zubiri also called for an inquiry on the possible technical smuggling of sugar premixes.

Marañon said Zubiri is one of the few senators who is knowledgeable of the sugar industry, and the governor believed that Zubiri will be back to the Senate, possibly in 2013.

The governor said Zubiri will be in Bacolod today (Friday) to be the guest of honor and speaker at an event of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter in the evening. (FREEMAN)