29 September 2016

The ongoing inquiry by the House of Representatives into the alleged drug trade in the national penitentiary has become a matter of great interest to the public, creating strong sentiments and generating passionate debate among our fellow Filipinos.

And precisely because of this, I believe it is critical that the members and leadership of the House – many of whom are my former colleagues from the previous Congress – keep the proceedings calm, sober, and objective as the investigation proceeds.

I am concerned by the news that, as part of this investigation, there is a plan to show a supposed video of an incumbent Senator engaged in an intimate act.

As a former legislator, I fail to see how this will contribute to a substantial discussion of the issues being taken up.

As a lawyer, I believe that this act may be in violation of penal laws. And as a long-time advocate for human and women’s rights, I am profoundly disturbed by a proposal that amounts to the public shaming of a woman and the infliction of grave harm on her dignity as a human person.

It is my earnest hope that all of us in public service, including my former colleagues in the House, do our utmost to maintain a rational and respectful level of discourse, with the same passion that we zealously pursue the truth.

Let us work together to establish a culture of respect and professionalism, both in government and in the larger sphere of public discussion.

I have every faith that we will be up to this challenge.