The Bramble King

Senator Miguel Zubiri resigned on wednesday, August 3. He delivered his privilege speech saying that he resigned because of the “unfounded” accusations against him. Zubiri wants to resign with “Honor and Integrity”.

This turning of events was due to the revelations of Maguindanao massacre suspect Zaldy Ampatuan and former Commission on Elections supervisor in Maguindanao Lintang Bidol of the massive poll fraud last 2007 senatorial elections.

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Puti Uy Ampatuan said that he had first-hand knowledge of the cheating in 2007 senatorial elections that resulted in a 12-0 on Arroyo’s senatorial candidates.

Zubiri’s rival, Aquilino Pimentel III said that “Decency demands they should withdraw from their membership in Senate Electoral Tribunal in the same manner that Migs Zubiri should resign because it looks like he is the personification of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in this country,” last July press conference.

The Scripture has this same scenario. It reminds me of trees anointing their king to rule over them.

Judg 9:8 The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said to the olive-tree, Reign thou over us.

Judg 9:9 But the olive-tree said to them, Should I leave my fatness, with which by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Judg 9:10 And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, and reign over us.

Judg 9:11 But the fig-tree said to them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Judg 9:12 Then said the trees to the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

Judg 9:13 And the vine said to them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Judg 9:14 Then said all the trees to the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us.

Judg 9:15 And the bramble said to the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Note that the bramble without slight hesitation readily accepted the nomination of the trees and brag of his shadow where we all know it can only give so little shadow as a shade. A bramble is a thorn or a bush with a little shade that can not accommodate even the smallest tree.

Lk 16:15 And he said to them, Ye are they who justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God.

I hope that Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, just in case he is the replacement, is not a bramble with a little shade.