At A Glance
- Members of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) are calling for due process amid investigations into party chairman and former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.'s alleged hand in infrastructure project-related corruption.
Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Facebook)
Members of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) are calling for due process amid investigations into party chairman and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.'s alleged hand in infrastructure project-related corruption.
More importantly, Lakas-CMD--the recognized dominant political party in the country--also warned against hasty conclusions as public debate intensifies over ongoing inquiries on corruption issues.
In a joint statement signed by senior party officials and released Thursday, Nov. 20, Lakas-CMD underscored its “full support” for Revilla and reminded the public that democratic safeguards were put in place to protect every individual from prejudgment.
“As a party that has always upheld democratic values, we reaffirm a principle fundamental to any just society: every individual is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence,” the statement read.
Party leaders stressed that these protections ensure fairness and prevent public pressure from overtaking legal procedure.
Lakas-CMD said Revilla “has long demonstrated respect for our institutions and remains ready to cooperate with any fair and impartial process". It added that they are confident a review “grounded in facts—not conjecture—will lead to clarity and truth".
Amid the heightened attention on the inquiries, Lakas-CMD urged restraint and warned against narratives that attempt to shape conclusions ahead of evidence.
“We caution against premature judgments or narratives that seek to substitute public pressure for proper legal procedure. Investigations must be allowed to proceed independently, guided only by evidence and the rule of law,” it said.
The Lakas-CMD says that until competent authorities complete their review based on “established facts", Revilla retains its “full trust, confidence, and support".
The pro-administration party reiterated that fairness and adherence to the rule of law must prevail, and not speculation, political pressure, or presumption.
Lakas-CMD--under its president, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez--stands as a political powerhouse with 109 lawmakers, 15 governors, and thousands of local officials across the country within its fold.