The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) has opposed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s proposal for a mass resignation of top officials and the conduct of a snap election, stressing that without electoral reforms, such a move would only recycle corrupt politicians, as reported by RH Val Gonzales.
The group warned that holding fresh elections under the current system would only favor the same political figures accused of plunder and corruption.
LCSP president Atty. Ariel Inton, who also filed a writ of kalikasan before the Supreme Court regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects, cautioned that the outcome of such elections could still benefit corrupt officials.
“Ano ang mangyayari? Baka ang manalo ay ito pa ring mandarambong na politiko dahil patuloy nilang pagsasamantalahan ang kahirapan ng taumbayan. Nandyan ang rampant vote buying at baka mabura pa sa isipan ng tao itong mga ginagawa nilang pandarambong. So, tutol po ang LCSP diyan,” Inton said.
Instead of rushing for a snap election, Inton underscored the need to expedite cases against officials allegedly involved in corruption.
“Kinakailangan madaliin ang pagsampa ng kaso laban dito sa mga suspek na ito, itong mga madarambong na ito. Although, tama ‘yon, they are entitled to due process, pero ‘yong due process hindi naman dapat over due process. Bakit? Kasi justice delayed is justice denied. Maiinip ang tao, hindi pwedeng patagalin ‘to para mabaon na lamang sa limot ang mga pinaggagagawa nitong mga politokong ito.”
He also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize swift legal action.
“With all due respect sa president, imbis na sabihin na hindi naman kailangan madaliin ito, aba’y dapat madaliin natin. Andiyan ang ebidensya, andyan ang ating mga prosecutorial arm ng gobyerno, hindi tayo magkukulang sa ebidensya kung ating hahanapin at isasampa kaagad.”
Under Cayetano’s proposal, all elected officials from the President down to members of Congress should resign and pave the way for a snap election, citing the loss of public trust in the country’s leadership.
However, for the LCSP, accountability and reforms must come first before any new election can be meaningful.
