Leonen says Charter change not cure-all for corruption

The renewed push for Charter change would not fully address corruption in the country, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said Tuesday, stressing that holding corrupt officials accountable should remain the priority.

Leonen made the remarks before delegates of the Ombudsman Strategic and Operational Planning for 2026 to 2032, where he emphasized that strengthening accountability mechanisms is more critical than changing the Constitution.

At present, the Office of the Ombudsman is investigating alleged multibillion-peso corruption in flood control projects involving key government officials, senators, congressmen, and private contractors.

Leonen said the idea of Charter change is often floated as a response to corruption but does not offer a complete solution.

He added that regardless of whether Charter change is pursued or what form of government is adopted, reforms must remain anchored on demanding accountability and addressing corruption in all circumstances.

Leonen’s remarks came amid criticism from Senate President Vicente Sotto III over a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed with finality the unconstitutionality of the fourth articles of impeachment filed by the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The ruling found that the impeachment violated the Constitution’s one-year bar rule and Duterte’s right to due process.

Sotto accused the Supreme Court of encroaching on the powers of the legislature by imposing what he described as new rules on the impeachment process. He also said the decision, penned by Leonen, had effectively rendered impeachment an “impossible dream.”

The Senate president has argued that Charter change could be a way to counter the impact of the ruling on the legislature.

Leonen, however, maintained that addressing corruption in the country would require more than a change in the Constitution or the system of government.