Philippine senate president resigns

Philippine Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile resigned from his post Wednesday, stressing that his decision was "a matter of personal honor and integrity," local media said. "As a matter of personal honor and dignity, I hereby irrevocably resign as Senate President. With the constantly shifting political tides, to muster the support of the majority of your colleagues and to maintain that support long enough, to achieve something for the people is a feat in itself," Enrile said in his privilege speech. The speech was delivered during the resumption of the Senate session around 3 p.m. local time, according to a report filed by online news site www.gmanews.tv. Enrile quit amid rumors that he will soon be replaced by Senator Franklin Drilon when the next Congress opens in July. Drilon was the campaign manager of Team Pnoy -- the administration-backed coalition that swept the recently concluded Senatorial elections. The Senate President is the third highest post in the country. The Senate President, who usually belongs to the ruling party, is the presiding officer of the upper chamber and is elected by members of the Senate. Enrile served in the Philippine Senate for three terms and was first elected as Senator in 1987. He became Senate President in November 2008. Under his term, the Senate passed several important laws including the extension of the agrarian reform program, laws against torture and child pornography and the National Heritage Conservation Act. He also presided over the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.