LAWYER Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. will soon be in the Senate to take the post vacated by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Sen. Edgardo Angara is certain that within two weeks, the young Pimentel will be proclaimed winner of the contested 12th spot in the 2007 senatorial elections.

Senators yesterday accepted Zubiri’s resignation, paving the way for the swift resolution of the electoral protest Pimentel filed against Zubiri.

“After the resignation of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and the withdrawal of his counter-protest, the Senate Electoral Tribunal will issue a resolution approving the withdrawal,” Angara said in a statement.

“Since there would no longer be any counter-protest, the protest of Mr. Pimentel will be upheld. After this resolution, it will go to the Commission on Elections, which will proclaim Mr. Pimentel as the winner,” he said.“This process may take about two weeks, that’s an educated guess. But I will not sign that resolution because I am no longer a member of the SET. My term just finished toward the end of July.”

“We are sad to see Senator Zubiri go. He is a diligent and hardworking legislator. But the Senate will accept the outcome of all this,” Angara said.

He confirmed that he knew of Zubiri’s plan to quit, being a mentor to the younger legislator.

“I advised him to do what he felt was right. I actually admire his resolve, his commitment and his integrity. I don’t doubt that this has been a difficult week for him,” Angara.

When he announced his resignation Wednesday, Zubiri thanked Angara “who is always watching out for me.”

Angara said Zubiri’s resignation will “probably hasten” the resolution of Pimentel’s poll protest.

“His leaving the Senate now before the case is concluded effectively renders the decision moot and academic. Although all these proceedings still need to end with all the necessary formalities and paperwork, his resignation from his post would likely prompt the SET to make an early resolution,” Angara said.

However, he believes that Zubiri will make a come back. “He’s still young. I believe that he still has a very bright and productive future in public service in the coming years,” the senator said.

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was also saddened by Zubiri’s decision. “I know many others feel the same way. It is his call and we have no choice but to respect it. We can not blame him because of the pressures he is experiencing. His decision is an act of a true statesman.  Because of this, he truly deserves more praise and honor.”