Zubiri: SC decision a big morale booster

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on Friday described as a major "morale booster" the Supreme Court's decision dismissing the petition of Aquilino Pimentel III to stop the Commission on Elections from canvassing votes in Maguindanao. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Supreme Court sa kanilang desisyon dito sa affirmation sa aking pagka senador. At least nakita ang pinaghirapan namin noong dalawang Supreme Court hearing na magkaroon ng magandang finality," Zubiri said in an interview over Bombo Radyo. Zubiri called on his political rival to help find solutions to the problems in Mindanao. The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by Pimentel seeking to stop the Commission on Elections from canvassing votes from the province of Maguindanao. The votes from Maguindanao spelled victory for Zubiri in the 2007 elections. The Court's decision did not remove legal obstacles in Zubiri's victory as the Senate Electoral Tribunal is yet to issue a ruling on the poll protest filed by Pimentel questioning the Comelec's proclamation of Zubiri. Zubiri ran under the administration Team Unity, while Pimentel ran under the Genuine Opposition in the 2007 senatorial race. Zubiri said his "victory" inspired him to improve his work at the Senate. - GMANews.TV