Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday joined massive rallies against corruption as the nation observed the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law and called for freedom, protection of human rights, and responsibility among public officials and law enforcement authorities.
In a statement, De Lima strongly condemned the ongoing red-tagging of journalists, lawyers, activists and other compatriots — on the streets and ultimately in their homes — who have not yet been brought to justice.
“Irresponsibility must not become a culture. Just as we ended Martial Law, we must once and for all put an end to corruption, violence and the violation of our dignity and human rights,” the lawmaker said.
“Hold accountable those who must be held accountable no matter how high the power so that corruption, violence and poverty no longer become a cycle in our country,” she added.
De Lima decried the continuing cycle of abuse of power and human rights violations five decades since a peaceful uprising toppled an authoritarian regime.
“Through blatant theft of public funds and lack of accountability for violence, dignity is continuously denied and the people’s right to a safe and comfortable life is trampled on,” she noted.
De Lima echoed statements of condemnation against corrupt public officials and their conspirators who were enjoying luxurious lifestyles while many places got flooded and households continue to struggle to make ends meet.
Speaking at the anti-corruption rally held in Luneta, De Lima urged Filipinos to support her proposed creation of a genuine Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to address the limitations of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s executive order (EO) 94, which created the fact-finding body.
De Lima and her fellow minority lawmakers recently filed House Bill 4453, which seeks the creation of an “Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption.” They noted that President Marcos “should certify its urgency.”
“EO 94 is a start, but the Commission it created is not powerful enough. What we need: An independent commission that cannot be disregarded, with real authority and broader powers to hold accountable the syndicates and those who colluded in anomalous government projects,” De Lima said in a recent post. –With reports from Ram Superable
