Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Friday, January 16 urged the public to remain vigilant against an abusive judiciary that allows government and elected officials to escape accountability.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said combatting corruption in the country depends on a functioning justice system.

“This is not just a corruption issue. This is also a judiciary system justice issue,” Pangilinan said in a radio interview.

“Mas malawak pa nga. Totoo may mga abusadong pulitiko, pero bakit hindi napaparusahan? Andiyan din ang pananagutan ng hudikatura (It's even broader. It's true that there are abusive politicians, but why aren't they punished? That's also where the judiciary's responsibility lies),” he said.

The senator further lamented how some public officials in the past have been allowed to walk scot-free from plunder charges.

“Lahat tayo galit sa kurakot na pulitiko. Lahat tayo galit sa kurakot na public works pero nung inabswelto yung ilang mga nakasuhan ng plunder dati, para wala tayong galit sa mga mahistrado kasi ang puno’t dulo nito ay sa huwes mapupunta lahat ito. So, dapat bantayan natin (We are all angry at corrupt politicians. We are all angry at corrupt public works, but when some of those who were previously charged with plunder were acquitted, we don't have to be angry at the magistrates because ultimately, it all goes to the judge. So, we should watch out),” he said.

He clarified, however, that his remarks by no means aim to vilify members of the judiciary, but he reminded Filipinos to be watchful of their actions.

“Nung mga nakaraang mga absweltong kaso, sino ba yung mga huwes na iyon? Bakit hindi sila kilala? Bakit walang pangalan (In the previous acquittal cases, who were those judges? Why are they not known? Why are there no names)?” Pangilinan asked.

The lawmaker took note and agreed with the statement of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said that corruption is also prevalent in the judiciary.

“Pag pulitiko, kapag nasa public works, kilalang kilala, pero yung mga nagaabswelto sa mga hudikatura, hindi natin alam. So, dapat talaga maging vigilant ang ating mga kababayan at ang media sa hudikatura. Maging mapagbantay (When it comes to politicians, when they are in public works, they are well known, but those who are acquitted by the judiciary, we have no idea. So, our countrymen and the media should really be vigilant in the judiciary. Be vigilant),” he added.

He made these remarks after questions arose on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) announcement that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and ex-DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara are now state witnesses in the government’s investigation of the multi-billion-peso flood control controversy.

To this, Pangilinan urged the Supreme Court to make corrupt and abusive members of the judiciary accountable by dismissing them, pointing out that this sends a clear message that abuse of power would not be tolerated.