Re-elected Senate President Francis Escudero announced that he will file a bill against Government officials who would be involved in corruption.

“[Ang] layunin, ipagbawal up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity ang sinumang mambabatas o opisyal ng pamahalaan, national man o lokal, na maging contractor o supplier sa pamahalaan.” Escudero said in a press briefing this tuesday, July 29.

This is following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Fourth State of the Nation Address yesterday, in which the President warned those Government officials who are involved in corruption.

“Mga kickback, mga initiative, errata, SOP, for the boys. Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino.” The President said.

The President’s call against corruption echoes throughout our country, as for years we yearn for corruption to end, and for those who are corrupt to be punished by law.

The Justice system needs fixing as well in terms of handling cases that involves the powerful, no one is above the law.

It takes tremendous Political will if such a bill is passed and should be enforced strongly. As our country is plagued by corruption the number 1 problem that caused so much damage, a fierce law against the corrupt is surely needed. This is to make sure there is accountability, there is justice, and to put back public trust in our institutions.

– Gillian Paul Abayon