Press Release
November 18, 2008

PIMENTEL SAYS HE WILL REMAIN WITH THE OPPOSITION

Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today said he will stay as an oppositionist within the minority bloc in the Senate although he is relinquishing his role as minority leader.

Upon the election of Juan Ponce Enrile as Senate President Monday, Pimentel tendered his resignation as minority leader, a position he has held since 2001.

"There will be no deals for me in the revamp," he said.

"I have told our colleagues on record that I was relinquishing that position upon the election of whoever wants to take my place. I am not hanging to anything. I will just stick to my role as oppositionist," Pimentel said.

"I am not joining the majority. I remain an oppositionist within the minority bloc. No deals will induce me to act either way. The minority leadership is open to anyone who wants it."

At the same time, Pimentel said he welcomes the assurance of Enrile that the Senate hearings on the P728 million fund scam and on the euro generals will continue despite the change in the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

"That is a good announcement. But the substance of that will have to be proven as the days go by," he said.

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