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Sunday, July 15, 2007
Zubiri proclaimed as 12th senator
MANILA -- Juan Miguel Zubiri became the third Team Unity senatorial candidate to earn a seat in the Senate after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed him winner Saturday.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage
View here the list of local winners
Zubiri was proclaimed senator after his closest rival Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III failed to secure a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court (SC) during Friday’s oral argument.
Pimentel had asked the SC to stop Zubiri's proclamation pending resolution on his petition questioning the election results in Maguindanao. Pimentel and Zubiri had been vying for the last Senate seat.
Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said Zubiri beat Pimentel by a margin of 19,992 votes. He said Zubiri tallied 11,004,099 votes over Pimentel's 10,984,807.
"The remaining uncanvassed certificate of canvass will not materially affect the standing of Zubiri and Pimentel, as holder of the 12th and 13th slot, respectively," Abalos said.
Zubiri, clad in white barong, was accompanied by his wife Audrey, father Joe, brother Manuel and mother-in-law Dette Tan during the proclamation rites.
In an interview with reporters, Zubiri said: "I will spend a four-day vacation with my wife. We're going to have a rest in an island resort."
On the issue of Maguindanao vote rigging, Zubiri promised not to interfere in the investigation and even offered friendship and cooperation with Pimentel.
"Let's now move forward, work together. Let's put an end to bickering, politicking, and intrigues. Let's start uniting our people," he added.
He said he would take his oath before a judge in his hometown in Bukidnon on Sunday. "I'll be the first senator from Bukidnon. We'll be inviting the multi-sector -- the bishop of the province, council of Datus, ulamas and other Mindanao leaders," he said.
Zubiri also vowed to push for the implementation of electoral reforms.
"I'm for reforms in our electoral system. Maybe we should look into the plight of Comelec (personnel). We should also increase their salaries to avoid problems in the ground. We have to at least compensate them well enough so that they (can resist) temptation," he added.
"Let's not crucify the candidate, let's crucify the system. So let's change the system," he said. (Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (July 15, 2007 issue)
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