|
MANILA,
Nov. 18 (PNA) -- House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Monday welcomed
Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as the new Senate President.
"We
respect the decision of the senators in their choice of a new leader.
We welcome Sen. 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 and confidence of the majority," said Nograles
in a statement.
"What
is important is maintaining harmonious and cooperative relations
between the two chambers for the sake of national interest," he said,
adding that "leadership change in both chambers of Congress is part of
our Constitutional and democratic processes."
Nograles
noted the Philippines is 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 said.
"Let
us focus beyond partisan politics. Changes in the players should not
change the game and the objective is always to serve the interest of
the people," he added.
Enrile
on Monday afternoon has called on his colleagues to support him as he
took his oath as new Senate president following the resignation of Sen.
Manuel Villar Jr.
The
veteran senator, in his acceptance speech, said he had his share of
trials, challenges, failures and frustrations in the various posts he
held in government.
"There is much to be done... The people of this country can no longer wait," he said.
Enrile said he did not seek the position of Senate president, but he was honored to accept the post.
"In all humility, I accept the responsibility and trust the majority of you my peers entrusted upon me today," he said. (PNA) |