HOUSE Speaker Prospero Nograles welcomed the change in the Senate leadership as he assured the public the harmonious relationship between the House of Representatives and the Senate will remain.

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In a statement, Nograles said the Lower House respects the decision of the senators in their choice of a new leader.

"Leadership change in both chambers of Congress is part of our constitutional and democratic processes. What is important is maintaining harmonious cooperation and genuine relations between the two chambers for the sake of national interest," Nograles said.

"We welcome Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as the new Senate President. It is the collective decision of the members of the Senate. Each leader serves at the pleasure of his peers. We are now in a crucial time trying to fight off internal and external challenges that hinder rapid development. What we must strive now is to unite and work even harder in our fight against poverty," he added.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Pangilinan also congratulated Enrile on his new position.

"As an independent senator, I remain committed to crafting relevant legislation, and strengthening the Senate of the Philippines as an institution designed to improve the lives of our people. I likewise relinquish my post as majority leader with utmost gratitude and pride. Whether in the majority or the minority, we will remain independent, consistent with one stand when we were reelected in May 2007," Pangilinan said.

Villar resigned as Senate president after 14 of his peers signed a manifesto declaring the position vacant. (BOT)

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(November 19, 2008 issue)
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