“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” ~ Psalm 51 :10-12
Praise GOD For A New Day!
I thank the ALMIGHTY for giving me the Blessing of serving HIS people, and I pray that HE would allow me to continue serving in any way that I would be worthy.
From the start I have always said that I will abide by what the President, as leader of our coalition, will say. Today, given the untenable political situation that Congress has been placed, and the possible damage to the country if the 2021 budget is not passed on time – I take his admonition to put aside all politics and focus on the budget to heart, and with this, tender my irrevocable resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives effective immediately. I go now with a clear conscience. I have done my best, I have given my all, I leave with no regrets, and I hold no rancor in my heart towards anyone.
I am thankful for the opportunity that my colleagues have given me to serve this chamber, and I will cherish the friendships I have made these past months. We are still faced with the daunting tasks of not just helping the country recover from this pandemic, but of also rebuilding the trust of the Filipino people in this, the House of their Representatives. With this act, I am hopeful that it will pave the way for the constitutional transition for the new leadership. I call on my colleagues – let us restore the dignity of Congress as an institution and as a symbol of democracy, and right the wrongs that have been made in the name of partisan politics.
For those who have stood by my side through all these – we have fought the good fight, but there must only be one victor – which must be the Filipino people. Words are not enough to express the debt of my, and my family’s gratitude for all you have done. I apologize for not being able to talk to each of you in person, but as I free you from your commitments to me, I stand by those I have made to you. I will fight for you with the same intensity that you have for me. And as I join you now in the trenches, I hope that you will welcome me as warmly as when I was Speaker now that I no longer am. It is a reality in politics, that sometimes knowing when to fold on a good hand is more important than winning the the whole pot.
To the Congressional employees and staff, thank you from the bottom of my heart. In the months that we have worked together – including the trying times of this pandemic – I have gained a new level of respect for all of you. Your love and dedication to your work is commendable, and it is as invaluable and indispensable as the work of the Members of this Chamber.
Finally, to my fellow citizens, I ask for your continued vigilance in ensuring that we – your public officers – live up to the oaths we have taken. Congress has recently made huge headways in pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the crafting of our laws, let us not allow this to be for nothing.
Maraming Salamat aking mga kababayan.
GOD Bless us all.