Stop the theatricals, start corruption trials ASAP
Corruption is now the main problem in our public life. A separate Pulse Asia poll fromDecember indicated that 94% of Filipinos think corruption is common, and 71% think it is “verycommon.” These numbers aren’t just numbers; they’re a popular opinion. Citizens now believethat corruption is not just a problem that happens from time to time, but a sickness that affectsthe whole system and takes away resources, slows down progress, and erodes faith in institutionsthat should be protecting the general good.
The extremely public fight between Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Imee Marcos underscores howbad political theater can be for true accountability. Lacson’s use of the so-called “Cabral files” toshow that Sen. Marcos has accused “allocables” in the National Expenditure Program while sheloudly criticizes “soft pork” shows the double-edged danger of partisan sparring: it confuses thepublic, discredits real whistleblowers, and makes it easier for patronage networks to hide behindnoise. Add to this the scary trend of witnesses going missing, accused persons changing theirminds at the last minute, and the ritual of restitutions that don’t really bring about justice, and youget a system that favors delay and punishes truth-telling.
To be fair, things have gotten better: prosecutors are now pursuing accusations of malversationand looting, and judges are holding more defendants without bail in important situations. Butadvancement can’t be an excuse to be lazy. History shows how fast investigations fall apart.Evidence goes missing, witnesses are scared or silenced, and political pressure bends the rulesuntil the cases die out. The difference between a public show and true accountability is how fast,independent, and open the inquiry and prosecution are.
The Ombudsman, the Department of Justice, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructuremust act quickly, but they must also follow the rules of due process. Investigations should speedup, evidence should be made public when it makes sense, and formal charges should be broughtimmediately against anybody who is genuinely accused, no matter what party they belong to orwhat their last name is. When investigations are delayed or unclear, they protect those who dobad things.
Following the money is just as important. The Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Bureau ofCustoms, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, banks, and overseas diplomats must all worktogether perfectly to find, freeze, and get back stolen property. This is serious corruption where limited bank secrecy, strong AMLC powers, and an empowered asset-recovery office are theonly feasible options to retrieve stolen resources back to the people.
The requirement is clear and cannot be changed: the Judiciary, from the RTC executive judges,Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, must be free of corruption as they are in charge ofthese matters until they are resolved. People want these courts to declare those who stole publicmoney guilty. Senators, congressmen, contractors, DPWH officials, and collaborators must facethe full force of the law, which should include jail time. This is not revenge; it is justice. It is alsothe only real way to win back the public’s trust and make sure that the national money goes toschools, hospitals, and roads instead of corporate interests.
People in the Philippines are awake and angry. The 94% who think corruption hurts governmentdon’t want political theater; they want quick, fair, and obvious accountability. Institutions need torespond to that need right away.
The malicious smear against Senior Citizens Party-list and Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes
The recent social media leaks and headlines alleging that the Senior Citizens Party‑list and Rep.Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes somehow benefited from spurious “Cabral files” insertions are notmerely sloppy reporting. It is a calculated and dangerous assault on reputation dressed up asnews. These accusations are absurd on their face. Suggesting that a party‑list devoted to seniorswould have an interest in, or benefit from, flood‑control project insertions strains credulity andexposes the thinness of the charges being paraded as evidence.
Let me be unequivocal: this is a malicious smear designed for political traction. The timing, theanonymity of sources, and the absence of verifiable provenance point to a cynical effort by thosewho would discredit a legitimate civic representative through innuendo and manufacturedscandal. Political actors who weaponize unverified documents to score headlines are engaging indirty tricks that corrode public trust and distract from genuine oversight and accountability.The burden of proof rests entirely with the accusers. Rep. Ordanes and the Senior CitizensParty‑list, like all public servants, are entitled to the presumption of innocence until provenotherwise by competent, transparent inquiry.
Beefing up Malacañang’s legal team
Talks of a Cabinet revamp is persistently making the rounds. But on top of secretary-levelchanges, insiders hint of alleged plans to strengthen Malacañang’s legal bench.According to reliable Palace sources, one of the candidates for a plum post in the Palace’s innerlegal circle is a long-time lawyer and civil society advocate. An abogado de campanilla (AC), thenominee is allegedly known for credibility not through grandstanding, but through sharpconstitutional thinking, discipline, and a consistent anti-corruption track record.
With decades of engagement in reform circles, faith-based groups, and governance advocates,the nominee blends legal precision with moral grounding. Allies say this background could beexactly what Malacañang needs to beef up the administration’s legal team given the President’santi-corruption drive.
If confirmed, the move may signal more than a routine personnel change. Observers see it as adeeper shift toward merit-based appointments and a more inclusive recruitment approach underPresident Marcos Jr. For now, the name remains tightly held, but whispers suggest theappointment may come sooner than later—adding fuel to speculation that something meaningfulis quietly taking shape.
