Press Release
August 3, 2009

Transcript of the Majority Leader's interview at ANC News

SJMZ: We are going to just limit our discussion to eulogy to the late president. We are actually not going to take any business agenda today in deference to the death of the great leader of this nation. So, we are going to just do that. It's going to be, of course open with prayers as tribute to the former president. And after which we are going to have a personal and collective privilege speeches to be read. I, myself will have the honor to do so, and I believe the other leaders of the Senate will also do to the same and the members of the Liberal Party. We were not there in the motorcade will also do the same.

Question: Senator who is expected to make a speech this afternoon aside from yourself?

SJMZ: We presume the member of the Liberal Party probably Sen. Mar Roxas, Sen. Biazon, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, of course the lady senators who have the strong affinity to the former president, as well as several others. I do not have the exact list with me. You know what happens in the Senate it could be spontaneous standing up of members and giving tributes to the former president. But, I assure the public that we are not going to have business for today in respect to the former president. However, we are going to pass just one measure. We are just going to ratify the bicam for the extension to the Agrarian Reform Program also in tribute and respect to the former president who made it her flagship program during her administration.

Question: Senator Zubiri we all know that the number of members of the Senate served with Cory Aquino, Sen. Enrile, Sen. Arroyo, Sen. Pimentel forgive me if I'm forgetting a few others I supposed they're expected to say a few words. I know Sen. Enrile has already released a statement. He said that he had had political difference with President Aquino but he had always respected her and the differences were only political and not personal?

SJMZ: Yes. That's absolutely correct Ricky. We have the greatest respects for former President Aquino. You know, we were in high schools Ricky when the People Power had come true. I don't know how old you are Ricky, I don't know if we are of the same age but ...

Question: Yeah I'm in high school too (laughs)

SJMZ: (laughs) we're both in high school. I think Pinky also was in high school if I'm not mistaken (laughs) ...

Question: No

SJMZ: Yes we had a chance no? We had this opportunity to see history in the making and for one shining moment we are proud to be Filipinos. You know, we were proud to announce to the world that we are Filipinos. Anywhere we went around the world they would tap us in the shoulder and they said "good job for what you had done in the Philippines." And we are one of those lucky few. I know those who are 20 and below probably have no clue or they never remember this but for us who were in our teens when this happened. This was a proud shining moment for the country. So, everybody, even in the Senate everyone from both sides of the political fence knows that and realized that. And I'm sure the senators that will stand will probably be Sen. Arroyo. I know Sen. Pimentel will be giving a tribute through a prayer. Hr will lead the prayer today. And several others will also stand in recognition of our former president.

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