Senate of the Philippines
Pasay City
July 26, 2010

Speech of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen of the senate.

Allow me to extend to you my gratitude and appreciation for your support and generosity in elevating me for this second time to the highest position in this senate of the people. I never expected nor had I anticipated that you will accord to me such an honor. I am deeply grateful to all of you.

What happened here today is unique in our long political history. We have set aside the partisan political divide that separates us to arrive at a consensus to elect the head of this house. This noble act is not my triumph. It is yours. It portrays your patriotism as responsible leaders of the country and your devotion to the interest and welfare of our country and people. It also signals the unity that is sorely needed by our country. It is a sign of the emerging spirit in our land, and augurs well for our national community. This senate will be strengthened by this singular act of unity.

On my part, I do not consider myself as a superior. I am your “primus inter pares,” your co-equal whom you selected to administer the affairs of this institution.

In accord with your mandate and trust, I shall discharge my duties and responsibilities with honor, with total devotion to our institution, and with fairness to all members.

No partisan consideration will blur or color the treatment of any member of this senate.

We are all senators elected by the people to serve them with dedication to their interest and well-being and devotion to our responsibilities.

You and I will uphold the independence and integrity of this senate, without abandoning our duty to cooperate with the other departments of the government to achieve what is good for our people.

We must dedicate our time and energy for them, and we must guard with all our might and honor the sacred trust they have reposed in us.

We have to work together along with the leaders of our country to address the problems of this nation.

I cannot reciprocate enough the honor you have done me. Nothing that I can do will be enough to show my gratitude. All that I can do will be to be faithful to your trust.