Photo courtesy from FB Page of Cong. Isidro Ungab
IN a powerful privilege speech during Tuesday’s plenary session, Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro “Sid” Ungab called for independent investigations into allegations of wrongdoing involving members of the House of Representatives, stressing that integrity and public trust are the lifeblood of the institution.
Speaking before fellow lawmakers, Congressman Isidro Ungab of the 3rd District of Davao City underscored the collective responsibility of every House member to defend and preserve the honor of the institution, describing the House as “a sanctuary of our people’s trust.”
The lawmaker called attention to growing concerns about congressional investigations involving its own members, referencing the President’s recent State of the Nation Address, which condemned those who betray public trust. “If Congress investigates… can the investigation be trusted when some of those accused are Congressmen themselves?” The lawmaker noted, voicing the public’s doubts.
Stressing that credibility is the House’s highest duty, Congressman Ungab urged the chamber to embrace truth and transparency. “Without public trust, our hearings risk becoming a mere spectacle, empty of substance and justice,” the lawmaker warned.
To restore and ensure confidence, Cong. Sid Ungab proposed that investigations into wrongdoing involving House members should be conducted by independent bodies such as the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, or impartial panels.
Additionally, the creation of a credible anti-corruption body— modeled after Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption and Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau – was recommended to insulate such inquiries from political interests.
“If we are innocent, a fair investigation will vindicate us. If any are guilty, justice must be done—unflinchingly, without regard to rank or status,” Ungab added.
The legislator from Mindanao concluded with a call for principled action, asserting that the integrity of the House must be upheld not by words alone but through decisive measures.
“Let us show the Filipino people that we fear no truth, that we are ready to cleanse our own ranks if called for,” the lawmaker declared.
The speech ended with an affirmation of steadfast commitment to the truth, national honor, and the enduring trust of the Filipino people.
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