Justice or…what?

The once-vaunted “contra” State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the opposition bloc in Congress got drowned out in the din of big events last week. At the start of the second regular session of the 20th Congress last Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) delivered his penultimate SONA.

The next day, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano delivered the “contra-SONA” in behalf of the diminishing ranks of the opposition bloc in the Upper Chamber. House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan made his contra-SONA only yesterday.

Libanan welcomed the Chief Executive’s strong stance against corruption, notably after two incumbent senators and a former senator are already facing charges before the Sandiganbayan. But Cayetano’s criticisms about “selective justice” appear to hit the mark.

Sporting a new look with a full beard, Cayetano sarcastically noted: “Hindi kayo masyadong halata ah!”

Though condescending to many of us Filipinos, even non-fans of Cayetano are not blind to see through this flurry of legal cum political maneuvers. Those who quietly observe from the outside of the political fence ask why many of those linked to the flood control corruption scandal were quickly jailed or investigated and most of them are critics of the Marcos administration.

In contrast, the wheels of justice seem to grind exceedingly slow and gingerly on administration allies and even presidential relatives who are similarly accused of corruption. What say you at the Office of the Ombudsman?

Instead of the present and instant cases of alleged “ghost” flood control projects, old cases – even decided ones – re-appeared like “zombies,” or the undead brought back without lives of their own. The most obvious part of the script, the “zombies” target specific personalities. And such mindless “zombies” seemingly carry out the grudge fight for this administration.

The latest example is the revival of such a zombie case involving the alleged corruption in the infrastructure projects built for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Supposedly acting on motu proprio mandate of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), its freshly minted Director Melvin Matibag announced the revival of corruption allegations involving projects in New Clark City. Supposedly without imprimatur from “higher-ups,” the NBI chief ordered the reopening of its probe into reported irregularities that went into the preparations for the SEA Games.

Although no personalities were identified, it brought back names of officials investigated before when these accusations first erupted. At that time, as the former foreign affairs secretary, Cayetano chaired the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizational Committee (PHISGOC). It goes without saying Cayetano is the highest accountable official for these alleged anomalies. No less than former president Rodrigo Duterte cleared Cayetano who – as his Cabinet member – acted as his alter ego.

The NBI initiative inevitably dragged Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, who handled and managed the PHISGOC projects for the SEA Games inside the New Clark City during that time. Dizon previously headed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and as the concurrent Presidential Adviser on Flagship Projects during the Duterte administration.

However, after initial investigations into these allegations, the charges against Dizon were dismissed in 2021 by retired ombudsman Samuel Martires. With Dizon caught in the crossfire, Malacañang stepped in to clean up Matibag’s mess.

Meanwhile, Matibag’s investigation remains focused on PHISGOC that clearly points to Cayetano. Additionally, Cayetano is facing another inquiry regarding alleged “ghost” flood control projects in his bailiwick Taguig City. To be clear, Dizon had already cleared the Taguig City local government on such irregular projects on multiple occasions. Yet, we find the DPWH secretary now saying he is trying to “verify” something on the questioned flood control projects. What gives?

The timing of these investigations has naturally raised eyebrows. While government agencies have every right to pursue any complaint supported by evidence, the public also expects consistency. When investigations appear to be concentrated on individuals who have openly criticized the administration, questions about unfairness and partiality inexorably rear their ugly heads.

No one is arguing that public officials should be immune from investigation. On the contrary, every allegation of corruption deserves to be examined thoroughly. But accountability cannot be credible if it appears to be applied unevenly. The rule of law loses public confidence when similar allegations involving other personalities are perceived to receive less attention or urgency.

We all see these as attempts to dig up wrongdoing against someone who continues to question accountability and various issues involving the Marcos administration. It unnecessarily creates the wrong impression that justice is being used only as a political weapon.

A government that genuinely seeks to uphold transparency must ensure that investigations are guided solely by facts and evidence. It should not be by political affiliation or public perception. Whether the person involved is a political ally, a family member or a vocal critic should make no difference in the pursuit of justice. Equal application of the law is what strengthens institutions and preserves public trust.

The country has seen enough political divisions through the years. What Filipinos want now is a justice system that inspires confidence, one that demonstrates independence and fairness in every case it handles. If accountability is to have real meaning, it must be consistent and free from any appearance of favoritism.

In the end, the true measure of a fair government is whether it treats everyone involved equally – whether they are allies or critics. Otherwise, every investigation will always be viewed through the lens of politics rather than the impartial administration of the law.

Turning anew to his latest favorite platform last week – his official Facebook page account – Cayetano turned dramatic in raising the possible scenario of “assassination” if only to totally silence him. Cayetano came short of sounding like the late American patriot Patrick Henry who dramatically cried out: “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

From Bible passages, Cayetano now sounds poetic: give him justice, not death.