Labor coalition NAGKAISA criticized the recent leadership change in the Senate of the Philippines.
The group was referring to the replacement of Senator Tito Sotto by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President.
In a statement signed by NAGKAISA chairperson Sonny Matula, the coalition said the Senate should not become a “safe house” for the powerful.
According to the group, the chamber has allegedly turned into a “political bunker,” not only to weaken the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, but also to protect Senator Bato Dela Rosa from accountability.
NAGKAISA also expressed disappointment over what it described as the declining standards within the Senate.
The coalition stressed that the current state of the Senate is “embarrassing” and that its standards have become extremely low.
The group further questioned whether the leadership change was meant to ensure accountability or to create what it called an “emergency exit” for the impeachment proceedings and a safe space for political allies.
In the end, NAGKAISA emphasized that justice should not be scheduled only when it is convenient for those in power.
The coalition added that accountability should never be optional.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines)
