Erring politicians must be held accountable — Stratbase

POLITICIANS must be held accountable for their actions to foster political stability and rebuild public trust, a think tank said.

“If erring authorities are not held accountable, they will continue to use hard-earned taxpayers’ money for their self-interest,” Stratbase ADR Institute President Victor Andres C. Manhit said in a statement on Sunday.

He added the taxes should instead be used to build more classrooms, equip teachers and students with learning materials, and create job and livelihood opportunities, among others.

Mr. Manhit said that the social services meant for ordinary Filipinos will continue to fail if leaders remain unaccountable for their acts.

“When citizens feel that their concerns are not being addressed and that those in power are immune, it can lead to social unrest and instability. This is when faith in government and institutions is lost, making it harder to implement policies and reforms that benefit the public,” he added.

He said that the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio is a call for incumbent, returning, and newly elected lawmakers to put aside coalitions and their own personal gain.

“With this, senators must rise above political alliances and personal interests, and base their decisions on credible and reliable evidence,” he added

“Senators must keep in mind that their loyalty is not to certain personalities or allies — but to the Filipino people,” he said.

Ms. Duterte, who was impeached by more than 200 congressmen on Feb. 5, will face the Senate as an impeachment court in July, following accusations of misusing secret funds, unexplained wealth, destabilizing act, and plotting the assassination of the President. — Adrian H. Halili