Drilon vows to restore trust in Congress

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon yesterday vowed to restore the people’s trust in Congress and hold accountable the senators and congressmen who would be proven to be involved in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

‘We hear our people’s clamor for accountability. They will not be denied. We will hold ourselves accountable…This will strengthen our democracy that our forefathers in the Malolos Congress wanted to leave to the future generation,” Drilon said in a speech during the commemoration of the 115th anniversary of the opening of Malolos Congress at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

He also gave assurance that the calls for reform in the use of public funds have not fallen on deaf ears and that reforms would be instituted under the Aquino administration.

“The government is listening to the concerns of our people. The Senate is listening. I am listening and I will do what I can do so that our Congress can regain the trust of the people,” Drilon said in Filipino.

He expressed belief that the ongoing investigations by the Senate and the National Bureau of Investigation and the expected filing of charges with the Office of the Ombudsman today are clear manifestations of the adherence of the Aquino administration to the principles of accountability and transparency.

“I believe that after the National Bureau of Investigation and the ombudsman wrap up their probe and appropriate charges are filed, our people will again put their trust in Congress, which is one of the main pillars of democracy,” he added.

Drilon also acknowledged the extent of the pork barrel scam and the public outrage it caused. But he said he sees the crisis as an opportunity to strengthen Congress as an institution of democracy.

“Because of the pork barrel scam, there is anger in the heart of every Filipino, not only with those involved in the anomaly but with the whole Congress,” he said in Filipino.

“We are going through a cleansing process – which process is possible because our democratic system of government is working,” he added.

Drilon vowed that despite of the controversy, the Senate would not renege on its duties in passing legislation.

The Senate is set to pass today the bill calling for the postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Drilon said the Senate would also resume discussions on the Freedom of Information bill, which he described as a measure that would further strengthen democracy.

He also said he expects the approval of the P2.6-trillion national budget for 2014 before the year ends.