Can We Make Our Standards Higher?

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

The SENATEflix continues.

This time, the spotlight is on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte.

I vividly remember being in high school, rushing home to watch the Senate impeachment trial of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada. Back then, I never imagined that years later, our nation would once again witness impeachment proceedings. This time, involving the country’s second-highest official.

While these proceedings demonstrate that due process and the justice system are at work, they also reveal a sobering reality: we, as a people, often fail to choose our leaders wisely. Time and again, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

It is not my intention to prejudge the outcome of this case. The impeachment process must be allowed to take its course. Still, I cannot help but feel frustrated whenever those entrusted with public office appear to fall short of the trust placed in them. We deserve leaders who honor that trust. Yet, at the end of the day, it is we who elect those who occupy positions of power. Too often, instead of solving our nation’s problems, some leaders become part of the very problems we long to overcome.

As I watch the proceedings – listening to the arguments of both the prosecution and the defense, hearing witnesses testify, and observing senators ask their questions- I find myself experiencing a range of emotions. Frustration, most of the time.

There are moments when I wonder whether some senator-judges have remained as impartial as their role requires. At times, clarificatory questions seem to sound more like advocacy than clarification. There are remarks that come across as condescending. Other statements seem to be senseless manifestations that become headlines and quotable quotes.

Beyond the impeachment proceedings, we continue to see public officials facing various allegations and legal controversies. We hear leaders whose words lack dignity and whose stewardship of public funds is questioned. These are resources entrusted to them by millions of hardworking Filipinos who faithfully pay taxes and hope for honest governance.

It makes us ask: Are these the kinds of leaders we want? Can we please raise our standards in the next election?

It’s saddening. It’s infuriating. It’s discouraging. It’s frustrating. All these emotions come at once.

How do we move forward? What kind of future are we leaving for the next generation? Are we willing to settle for this kind of governance? Will we continue allowing our leaders to betray the public’s trust, election after election?

To my fellow Filipinos, I make this heartfelt appeal: let us choose better. If we truly desire change, then we must also change the way we vote. We must educate ourselves, examine the qualifications and character of those seeking public office, and resist voting based solely on popularity, family name, or political loyalty. It is time to look beyond personalities and political colors. It is time to vote with wisdom, discernment, and integrity.

May what our nation is experiencing today remind us to be more discerning in the elections two years from now. May we elect men and women of integrity – leaders who fear God, uphold justice, serve with humility, and place the welfare of the Filipino people above personal ambition or political dynasties.

I pray that corruption and evil will be exposed, that truth will prevail, and that justice will be served in the nation we dearly love. May every decision be guided by wisdom and made for the good of the Filipino people. Lord, You are sovereign, and You remain at work even when circumstances seem uncertain. We trust that You love justice and that You are able to heal our nation.

Someday, I believe we will see leaders who embody the highest standards of integrity and servant leadership. Impossible as it may seem, with God nothing is impossible.

For now, let us patiently witness the truth unfold.