Benguet, Philippines – A charter change would not be enough to curb corruption, a Supreme Court (SC) official said.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen made the remark in a speech at the Office of the Ombudsman’s strategic planning for 2026 to 2032 in Baguio City on Tuesday, Feb 10.
Leonen said while there are efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution to address corruption, he believes it is not the “whole solution.”
“We must remember that even if Charter change occurs, or whatever form of government our country chooses to adopt, we must anchor ourselves in the role of demanding accountability and going after corruption in any situation,” he said.
“No matter what political system we evolve into, it will always have a criminal justice system. Breaking out of these corrupt habits will require more than just regime or charter change. We must fight for the rule of the government,” Leonen added.
He said the Constitution, as it is now, has enough powers and that government leaders must follow it correctly for citizens to do the same.
Senate President Tito Sotto recently renewed the call to amend the Constitution, following the SC ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte’s first impeachment – which critics said had made it “impossible” to oust an impeachable officer.
Gaps
Meanwhile, a representative to the United Nations pointed out gaps in the system that make accountability difficult.
Kirbee Tibayan stressed the need for a nationwide whistleblower protection program.
She also said the current system makes it difficult to prove conspiracy in highly organized crimes like corruption.
“Iyon yung mahirap mahuli yung pinaka-big fish and many times politically exposed person rin siya,” Tibayan said.
[Translation: That’s difficult — to jail big fishes and oftentimes, these people are politically exposed.]
In the flood control scam, for example, most of those detained pending trial were Department of Public Works and Highways officials — whom many considered the low-hanging fruit in the crime.
The Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant only against two former lawmakers — Zaldy Co, who remains at large, and former Sen. Bong Revilla.
Ombudsman Boying Remulla declined to give specifics on the next personalities to face charges in court.
He said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s draft report — which recommended further investigation of Sens. Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada and Chiz Escudero — may serve as a guide in assessing evidence in the flood control mess.
