Yongyuth quits

He said he did not want to show up as head of the legislature before the Supreme Court tomorrow (May 2) in an electoral fraud case.

"In doing so, the legislative branch's dignity will be affected. And that will be unfair to other fellow lawmakers," he said.

He also expressed concern about the ongoing political conflict that was becoming increasingly severe. And he considered himself a victim of the rift.

"I hope I am the last victim of the conflict. I want our society to coexist peacefully."

Yongyuth, who is also a deputy leader of the ruling People Power Party, is facing three electionrelated cases. In one of those cases, the Supreme Court is considering whether to endorse the Election Commission's decision to disqualify Yongyuth as an MP for votebuying.

A court endorsement could give the EC the grounds to seek dissolution of the PPP.

Yongyuth told an outdoor press conference at the Parliament yesterday that his resignation would not affect the Supreme Court case against him. "It won't result in ending the case," he added.

Yongyuth has been on a leave of absence since the EC filed its case with the court.

He Wednesday also rejected speculation that his resignation was aimed at accommodating the coalition parties' motion to seek constitutional amendment. He said that even though he was on leave, a caretaker speaker could perform his job.