Ethical behavior: Key to restore people's trust in public institutions

At a time when erosion of public esteem and confidence in elected senators and representatives has manifested itself in angry protest demonstrations, the activation of the Senate committee on ethics and the designation of a new chairperson is timely and opportune.

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Senator Joseph Victor (JV) Ejercito has committed to lead the committee “with fairness, transparency, and respect for due process” and to ensure that the Senate remains an institution of integrity, accountability, and honor.”

Indeed, the Senate, as well as the House of Representatives, have come under intense scrutiny by an outraged citizenry that has grown weary of seemingly endless narratives on how the national budget has been debauched, with indicted public works officials flaunting regular gambling sprees involving amounts far in excess of their regular salaries and allowances.

An ethics complaint has been filed by a private citizen-lawyer who pointed out that, if proven substantially, the acceptance of a campaign donation from a government contractor “constitutes conduct unbecoming and brings the Senate into disrepute, regardless of criminal liability.”