Drilon to colleagues: Defend the Senate

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday urged his colleagues to defend the Senate amid mounting criticism over some senators' alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

"The eyes of the people are upon us again as we open the second regular session of the 16th Congress. I view this day as our opportunity to recover the people's faith in their Senate, regain their trust and revive their confidence," Drilon said.

The Senate president said the task is difficult, but he added that senators should "combat falsehoods concocted by cowardly minds who spread their lies through proxy voices and pens; to speak up for the Senate even when it may seem to be more politically convenient and safer for us to be silent, to just wait for the tempest to pass."

The Sandiganbayan recently ordered the suspension of three senators- Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Bong Revilla Jinggoy Estrada- over their alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam. Enrile is detained at the Philippine National Police General Hospital while Revilla and Estrada are locked up at PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame. All of them are facing plunder and graft charges.

"The Senate as an institution remains a constitutional body entitled to respect, even if some of its members may have been found to have erred through their individual acts," Drilon said.

He added that the senators should focus on reviving the country through laws that create jobs, advance workers' welfare and strengthen anti-graft and corruption measures.

"Let us set aside 2016 and work hand in hand for the rebirth of the Senate," he said.

Drilon added that the Senate will craft a 2015 budget that is focused on the right priorities and measurable results, and on working out the Bangsamoro Basic Law for the people of Mindanao.

"Admittedly, instituting reforms to create a better society is an enormous task. We need your help and cooperation. We need your trust," Drilon said.