Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.
— American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson
HOUSE Majority Leader Sandro Marcos appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) after his name surfaced in allegations raised by former lawmaker Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co regarding supposed insertions in the national budget.
In appearing before the Commission, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s son was not treated as an accused and the ICI does not issue subpoenas, yet he chose to attend voluntarily to clarify the matter directly before the commission. He categorically denied Co’s claims, describing them as baseless.
His decision to face the ICI speaks for itself. He went before the commission entirely of his own accord, guided not by obligation but by a sense of duty. He showed up because he believed it was the right thing to do.
Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia commended the young Marcos: “In a time when public hearings are often reduced to spectacle, Sandro Marcos approached the process with calm and clarity. He cooperated fully and asked for an executive session to keep the discussion focused on facts rather than theatrics.”
Goitia, chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, added that “(Sandro’s) showing up voluntarily reflects respect for our institutions (and) accountability is not a performance (but) a responsibility.”
As House Majority Leader, the First Couple’s son did not contest the process or engage in online exchanges (and) chose to answer questions in the proper forum, marking his commitment to genuine public service.
“Real leaders face the issues head on. They do not hide behind noise or excuse,” Goitia enthused while pointing out that at a moment when baseless accusations and destabilization attempts circulate from afar, the Majority Leader offered a different example, remaining composed, respectful and allowing the truth to work in its own time.
The civic leader observed: “Courage is not always loud. Sometimes it is as simple as walking into a hearing with honesty and a clear conscience. The actions of Majority Leader Sandro Marcos brought clarity instead of drama. He showed that accountability is not something to avoid but something to meet with dignity.
And this deserves recognition: “Integrity is proven through action. Sandro Marcos chose to face questions with dignity. That is worth acknowledging.”
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