CJ shuns shortcuts, pushes rule of law in corruption cases

MANILA, Philippines - Freedom from corruption in government can be achieved not through cutting corners but by allowing the rule of law to take its course.

This was essentially the philosophy espoused by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno as she bared her sentiments on the controversial pork barrel fund anomaly during yesterday’s celebration of the country’s 116th Independence Day.

“While it is right for us to be vigilant to make sure everybody will be held accountable – no matter (what) their political colors may be – let us not unduly rush the process and instead allow the provisions in the Constitution and the laws to prevail,” Sereno said in Filipino at the historic Kawit town in Cavite.

Sereno called on the public not to lose patience and trust in the legal processes in holding lawmakers involved in the pork barrel fund scam liable.

“Let us avoid shortcuts so as to give success to all our actions. Only in this way can we say that rule of law has prevailed in resolving this deeply rooted problem in our society and government,” she said.

Sereno said the rule of law entails unwavering performance by the Commission on Audit, Office of the Ombudsman and Department of Justice, as well as the courts of their duties to investigate, prosecute and penalize all those liable in the scam.

She also mentioned issues involving state witnesses, selective justice, power of agencies, but no longer elaborated since they could reach the high court in possible petitions.

Sereno said people’s actions against corruption are “not surprising” as she specifically tackled the issues involving the pork barrel scam.

“Everyone now feels the anger of the people and their diminishing trust in officials allegedly involved in plunder. Because it’s not just money that’s involved. Every peso allegedly stolen means death of a dream and hope of a progressive nation,” she lamented.

Sereno cited issues involving the “different lists circulating, many personalities being tagged as cohorts, claims of some that they have the truth.”

“But how will we face these challenges with sobriety and vigilance? We should probably pause for a while and reflect,” she suggested.

Sereno, however, did not actually deliver these portions of her written speech that was furnished to reporters.

In the speech she delivered, Sereno only asked the people to remain vigilant on issues hounding the government, but did not go into specifics.

“Let us continue our involvement in national issues and remain vigilant so that together we will be able to fix our nation and enjoy the fruits of our freedom,” she appealed.

Still, Sereno cited the example set by hero Apolinario Mabini in contributing to the revolution during the Spanish era that led to the nation’s freedom, while groups from various sectors have been staging protest actions to condemn corruption in government.

Sereno recalled Mabini, known as “the sublime paralytic” and the brains of the revolution, did not use violence in fighting for freedom.

Mabini drafted in 1898 the first charter and laws for the revolutionary government.

“There ought to be a plan that would give direction to the people’s actions. There ought to be rules to be followed so the fight can be won – not just through endless violence,” Sereno said in her speech.

Last year, the SC voided the Priority Development Assistance Fund, commonly known as pork barrel fund of lawmakers, for being unconstitutional. It also directed government agencies to probe all pork barrel anomalies since it was created in 1990.