Nomination Speech for Senator Juan Ponce Enrile

Mr. President, I am very honored to nominate Senator Juan Ponce Enrile for Senate President.

Today, we begin a new chapter in the history of the Philippine Senate. Throughout history and the changing tides of politics, the Senate has remained a bastion of independence, beholdenneither to one person, political ideology or political party. The people expect no less from thisSenate.

The first order of business is the election of a worthy leader. We may nominate candidates individually, but we choose a Senate President collectively. I am certain that we all have one purpose: to choose a Senate President who can lead with integrity, clarity of vision and independence. That person is none other than Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

Allow me to briefly highlight the major accomplishments of the Senate under his leadership:

Backed by the support and trust of his peers in the chamber, Senator Enrile became the Senate President on November 17, 2008. Under his leadership, the Senate passed vital pieces of legislation such as the Anti-Torture Act, Expanded Senior Citizens Act, Anti-Child Pornography Act, National Heritage Conservation Act, Real Estate Investment Act, among many others. Institutional reforms were also implemented within the Senate to improve the daily conduct of business by the institution, as well as improve the welfare of its officers and employees. Also under Senator Enrile, the Senate collaborated with the House of Representatives on two crucial issues which are now considered historical milestones: first was in December 2009 to take up Proclamation No. 1959 of the previous administration, declaring a state of martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus in the province of Maguindanao, while the second was in May 2010, when Congress convened to constitute itself as the national canvassing board to canvass the votes for president and vice president, and thereafter proclaim the winners.

Upon the opening of the Fifteenth Congress on July 26, 2010, Senator Enrile was re-elected unanimously by his peers to the Senate Presidency. Faithful to his promise to discharge his duties and responsibilities with honor, with total devotion to the Philippine Senate and with fairness to all members, Enrile, without fear or favor, boldly took on the role of Presiding Officer of the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court to try and decide on the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.

Mr. President, the challenges that we face demand from the Senate the same independence that has earned the respect and support of the Filipino people. Our choice for Senate President must be a testament to our independence as an institution. I therefore respectfully nominate Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as Senate President.

Thank you very much.