That was a class act, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. And an unprecedented one at that.

Giving up that which you  fought for in exchange for something nobler – personal honor and dignity.

In giving up your lofty post, you may have single-handedly elevated the Senate a notch higher as an august chamber of statesmen.  

Your stint as senator may have been abbreviated, but your legislative record is impeccable. You leave quite a legacy of meaningful legislation for which the people should be grateful.

We are almost certain of your spectacular comeback in 2013 because of this just one noble gesture.

The fact that no less than Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said he would study your resignation before making a decision speaks volumes about the general sentiment of the people.    

In announcing his resignation,  Zubiri said he and his family were deeply hurt by fraud allegation and trial by publicity being waged by his rival, lawyer Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who lost against him for the 12th slot in the 2007 senatorial elections.

“Without admitting any fault and with my vehement denial of the alleged electoral fraud hurled against me, I am submitting my resignation as a duly elected senator of the Republic of the Philippines in the election for which I am falsely accused without mercy and compassion,” Zubiri said in a privilege speech on the floor of the unusually full-packed Session Hall.

“I am resigning not because I am exhausted from the demands of my calling as a legislator.  Hindi po ako napagod sa paglilingkod sa inyo [I never got tired of being of service to you],” he said.

“I am resigning, not because I wish to evade the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Handa ko pong tanggapin ang anumang hatol mula sa nasabing hukuman [I am ready to accept any verdict from the said tribubal].”

“Rather, I am resigning because of these unfounded accusations against me, and these issues have systematically divided our nation and have cast doubts on our electoral system which has affected not only myself, this Institution but the public as well,” the senator added.

Zubiri said he would be doing an “injustice” to his fellowmen and the institution if he would continue working “half-heartedly and without full concentration and devotion.”

He said he directed his lawyers to make proper and immediate representation before the SET about his resignation to expedite the process and allow the tribunal to come up with a decision at the soonest possible time.

Take a bow, Mr. Senator. A grateful nation salutes you.