Ethical accountability is a litmus test for democracy. It serves not just as a reflection of individual integrity but as a barometer of the public’s trust in institutions.
New political developments have highlighted the importance of this accountability, particularly in light of revelations by Sen. JV Ejercito that four senators are currently facing ethics complaints.
While details are sparse and names remain largely unspoken, two senators have been identified: former Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senator Riza Hontiveros.
Interestingly, both have reported themselves among the poorest senators in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
The complaints against all these notable senators are disturbing. Escudero is under investigation for significant campaign donations from construction firm owner Lawrence Lubiano — donations that raise questions, given the company’s government contracts.
Hontiveros faces allegations of “witness tampering,” a serious charge that undermines the integrity of our legal and ethical standards. Such grave accusations go beyond mere political maneuvering; they strike at the heart of justice and ethics.
Frankly, my feelings toward Escudero and Hontiveros are quite ambivalent. Although I have a familial link to Sorsogon that connects me to Escudero, I can’t say I align with his political views or actions. Likewise, I don’t consider Hontiveros to be a figure I support.
Considering senators’ history of grandstanding, I would not be surprised if the two would use similar tactics to justify their actions and defend their reputations.
I agree on the importance of observing due process as he prepares to lead the Senate Committee on Ethics. However, the timing of Senator Ejercito’s appointment — just days before the session adjourned and with committee members not yet named — raises questions about its urgency.
This delay can be insidious. A lack of swift action not only risks diminishing public trust but can also perpetuate a climate of skepticism towards our political institutions.
Ejercito’s commitment to a “first in, first out” approach in addressing pending complaints is a step in the right direction, provided transparency is maintained.
There had been controversial ethics cases before, like the ones against then senators Jamby Madrigal and Manny Villar in 2009 on the C5 extension, and former senators Nancy Binay and Alan Peter Cayetano (who has won a recent term) after the latter called her “crazy” and a “Marites” (rumormonger).
In my many years of covering the Senate as a journalist, until I retired, I did not hear of the outcomes of those cases.
The public has a right to know the details of those complaints and the committee’s proceedings. A lack of openness raises suspicions, creating a narrative of our leaders operating unchallenged and unchecked in the shadows.
Ethical inquiries should not be treated as a bureaucratic process — they require a cultural shift within the political institutions.
Ethical accountability should not mean a checklist but rather a foundational principle guiding Senate operations.
Democracy thrives when public servants exemplify integrity and transparency. Anything less is an affront to the very essence of serving the people.
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