The Senate of the Philippines*PNA file photo
Rep. Julio Ledesma IV (Neg. Occ., 1st District) said in the wake of the current Senate quorum controversy several provisions of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) are relevant.
Ledesma, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 2, cited the following:
- Commitment to Public Interest – Senators are expected to place the public interest above political or personal interests. If legislators deliberately absent themselves to block proceedings or gain political advantage, critics may argue that this conflicts with the spirit of RA 6713. On the other hand, senators may contend that their actions are part of legitimate parliamentary strategy.
- Professionalism and Responsibility – Public officials are expected to perform their duties diligently. Attendance and participation in legislative work are part of those duties. A prolonged absence without justifiable reason could raise questions about compliance with this standard.
- Accountability to the People – The law emphasizes that public office is a public trust. Citizens may legitimately ask whether senators are fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities when important legislative or constitutional matters are pending.
Ledesma stressed the need to make ones voice be heard.*
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