Enrile vows to oppose new tax measures

Newly proclaimed Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile on Saturday vowed not to push for any new tax measure as he returns for a fresh six-year mandate in the Upper House. Asked what his priority bills will be, Enrile said he had several in mind, but "for sure I will oppose any new tax that will be imposed on the people." Although saying that he was largely satisfied with the conduct of the first nationwide automated polls in the country, reelectionist Enrile said allegations of fraud – including those claimed by an ally Joseph Estrada – might have been possible. "There are indications," Enrile said when asked whether he believed in Estrada's fraud claims. "By and large, yes [I am happy with the elections]... [But allegations of fraud are] possible. Anything is possible in this world, but what has already been said has to be proven," Enrile told reporters during the proclamation of the newly elected senators at the Philippine International Convention Center. The camp of presidential aspirant Joseph Estrada earlier claimed having been offered to buy Compact Flash cards which contain pre-programmed results. The CF cards contain instructions for the poll counting machines to read the ballots. Enrile, who is also the outgoing Senate President, said he leaves the Upper Chamber’s leadership to his colleagues, adding he was also open to Sen. Manny Villar Jr. for the 15th Congress. "If he has the numbers, why not? The position is not mine to hold on to… I leave it to my peers. I am Senate President until I am replaced." Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. – who is placing third in the presidential race and first to concede victory to Liberal Party’s standard bearer Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquio III – would be returning to the Senate to serve three more years. — LBG, GMANews.TV