Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday, September 23, emphasized the critical role of a swift and functioning judicial system in the country’s fight against corruption, stating that delays in the delivery of justice continue to embolden abuses in government.
During the judiciary budget hearing, the senator underscored the role of the judiciary in addressing corruption in government, especially as the country faces “the largest corruption scandal” in history.
“And ultimately, respect for the rule of law and justice are on trial as well. Our country is shaking from the massive corruption that has been exposed, and continues to be exposed,” Pangilinan said.
“The question is, and (are) among the minds of our people – and they have said this repeatedly: ‘Wala naman makukulong dyan. Puro imbestigasyon lang. Tulad nung mga nakaraang eskandalo at corruption cases, wala naman nakukulong. O kaya nakulong na, pinakakawalan din naman’,” he added.
The senator, who chairs the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, mused that the “unprecedented trillion pesos scandal” the country faces today could have been prevented if corrupt officers were previously convicted and punished.
“Will we be able to punish the corrupt? Is the justice system capable of rendering justice and accountability?,” he asked. “I pray and I hope that this will be the last of all corruption scandals in this country. It can only be achieved when the justice system itself and the judiciary will step up and render public accountability and justice. Are we punishing enough? Are we punishing swiftly?”
Pangilinan cited the Sandiganbayan’s budget presentation at the House of Representatives, wherein the anti-graft court admitted that it has a conviction rate of 47%, or one out of two cases ends up being dismissed.
He questioned whether the same will happen to the individuals tagged as behind the flood control corruption. “How soon will the cases be filed? How soon will convictions happen? Will it take years? Again, whoever is to be accused and tried in this particular (case), of course if there are appeals it will reach the Supreme Court, and in the meantime, what happens?”
“Forgive me because I just came from there (Blue Ribbon hearing), sabi nga ni Senator Gatchalian mas exciting doon kaysa sa dito, pero sa totoo lang nandito ang solusyon – ang strategic solution sa mga excitement doon ay nandito sa Judiciary (hearing),” the senator added.
Underscoring the need for modernizing and reforming the judiciary, he pointed out the opportunity being presented amid the current investigations into the corrupt practices at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), some of its favored contractors, and up to high-ranking government officials.
“There is a wave today crying out for reform and anti-corruption and therefore, the judiciary should ride that wave. (The) efforts in providing the judiciary the ammunition, the tools, and support it needs to be able to swiftly convict is something we ought to work on,” Pangilinan, who will sponsor the judiciary’s budget, said.
“Chief Justice Puno (said) ‘You want first-world justice but you provide third-world budgets,” he quoted.