THE Senate should keep public attention on evidence and the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte instead of allowing conspiracy theories and unverified allegations to dominate a constitutional process that will test public trust in institutions.
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chair Jude Acidre made the appeal Tuesday after the controversy over Sen. Imee Marcos’ Charter change (Cha-cha) video in plenary, which minority senators, including Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III moved to strike from the Senate record.
“At kaya nga ang challenge namin sa Senado, with all due respect sa mga kaibigan namin sa Senado, is dapat sana nakatuon na lang ‘yung attention natin dun sa facts, ‘yung mangyayari sa impeachment trial. Kasi ‘yun naman dapat ang kailangan nating resolbahin sa ngayon,” Acidre said.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court after the House voted 257-25-9 to impeach Duterte, who faces allegations involving misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his allies, which she has denied.
“Para kung anumang crisis sa leadership, anumang crisis sa politika ang meron ngayon, masaayos natin on the basis of evidence. Hindi ‘yung tatakutin natin ‘yung tao, hindi kung anu-anong conspiracy theory,” Acidre stressed.
Acidre said the Senate controversy reflected a disturbing pattern where accusations can be aired first before proof is presented.
“We’re quite frustrated, we’re quite disturbed na in the Senate itself, it has become fashionable to accuse before you present proof,” Acidre said.
He said lawmakers should remember that personal preference and political positioning must give way to the dignity of the institutions they serve.
“Our politics, our personal preferences, even our own personal stance, cannot be, are all subservient to the institution that we represent. Siguro yun ang kailangan na reminder sa amin,” Acidre said.
Acidre said members of Congress and the Senate are only stewards of the power entrusted to them by the people.
“Hindi namin pagmamay-ari ang Kongreso. We’re just stewards of whatever power or responsibility there is,” Acidre said.
He warned that a sense of personal ownership over public power weakens responsibility and damages public service.
“So, minsan kasi pag political na masyado, at iniisip mo pag-aari ko yung kapangyarihan na meron ako, I think that defeats the sense of responsibility,” Acidre said.
Acidre said younger lawmakers are acutely aware that the public reacts instantly in the age of social media, making institutional discipline even more important.
“At para sa amin, especially ‘yung mas bata, when we live in a world of social media na responsive kaagad ‘yung tao, kahit papaano, you’re more aware na there are lines you do not cross because there is a higher institution that you must uphold,” Acidre said.
He said legislative immunity exists to protect honest debate, not to turn privilege speeches into vehicles for personal or political attacks.
“Well, there is such thing as unparliamentary language. Especially when the statements are already damaging on the members or the other members of the chamber,” Acidre explained.
Acidre acknowledged that lawmakers are given room to speak freely, but said that freedom should still serve the public interest.
“Unfortunately, merong iba na do not see the factor na dapat yun ay nakakabuti para sa bayan at hindi para sa sariling political interests nila,” Acidre said.
He said every member who takes the floor must remember that privilege comes with the duty to be truthful.
“Pero ‘yun nga lang, it behooves every individual member of Congress to make sure that when you stand there, the privilege comes with certain responsibility,” Acidre said.
He said accusations made in any legislative chamber should be based on evidence, not insinuation.
“And part of that is to be truthful. Part of that is to make sure that when you make accusations, you’re grounded on evidence,” Acidre added.
Acidre said accountability applies to all lawmakers when the bounds of proper parliamentary conduct are crossed.
“I think whether it’s Senator Imee or it’s Congressman [Kiko] Barzaga, I think all of us have to be accountable,” Acidre said.
He said members should use the proper channels when they believe a boundary has been crossed.
“And if some people can see for themselves that a border has been crossed, talagang kailangan mag-file, dapat mag-file,” Acidre added.
