MANILA, Philippines - The Senate after a caucus affirmed its earlier decision to neither accept nor reject the resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said it was the concessus of a majority of the senators that they need not act on Zubiri's resignation.

Earlier, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said Zubiri should continue to discharge his duties in the Senate until such time until he is officially replaced by Koko Pimentel III, who is deemed to have won his election protest against Zubiri.

Santiago also warned Zubiri may be legally liable for abandonment of his post as a government official.

"It is our stand that we need not act on Sen. Zubiri's resignation. Whatever legal obligations that may arise from his resignation is personal on Zubiri's part," Enrile said.

Enrile also said that as soon as Pimentel has taken his oath and assumed his duties as senator, the Senate will ask him where he wishes to align himself -- whether with the majority or the minority.

Enrile said should Pimentel decide to be with the majority, he will be consulted on his committee preferences.

Pimentel will not automatically inherit the committees held by Zubiri, namely Committee on Environment and Committee on Cooperatives.

Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto III said the committee on environment will be temporarily shared by Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Cooperatives by Sen. Antonio Trillanes