Villar's speech as he relinquished top Senate post

MANILA, Philippines - Following is the transcript of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr's speech during Monday's session: My Dear Colleagues in this august chamber - The tenure of the Senate President as everyone knows depends on the number of members that supports him or her. I have been informed just this afternoon that I no longer have the support of the majority of my colleagues. I now therefore formally tender my resignation. I congratulate the new Senate President. You have my support in seeing to it that this chamber continue to maintain its unquestionable independence and its solid reputation as a bulwark of democracy. I thank all those who gave me the trust and confidence during the more than two years that I served as Senate President. I know one can serve fully and sincerely even if he or she is not the leader of this Chamber. I have pledged my loyalty to our fellowmen – that I will continue. I am now released from the burdens of the Senate Presidency. I shall be happy now to devote more time as a fiscalizer. I shall now have more time with our people in the countryside, and also with my family. Kalakip ng pasasalamat na ito ang higit na paggalang sa aking mga kasamahang naniniwala hanggang ngayon sa akin. Maraming salamat sa inyo. Maraming salamat din sa lahat ng manggagawa at personnel ng Secretariat, sa lahat ng staff ng bawat indibidwal na Senador, sa mga kawani ng media at sa lahat ng taong naging bahagi ng aking pamumuno bilang Pangulo ng Senado. Mananatili akong tapat sa ngalan ng serbisyo publiko, sa bayan at sa lahat ng Pilipino, bilang bahagi ng mabunying Senado ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Magandang hapon at maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. - GMANews.TV