EDITORIAL - To the lowest depths of shamelessness

A recent survey on the trustworthiness of government institutions and agencies places the Senate at the very bottom of the heap, apparently owing to the arrest of three of its members in connection with the pork barrel scam. But if there is a level even lower than rock bottom, that is probably where the Senate would land if a new survey were to take place while it is conducting an investigation into the alleged overpricing of Makati's parking building.

Not even the Senate's broad oversight functions can mask the real purpose of the investigation and for it to allow itself to be used for a glaring political demolition job totally wipes out any chance at self-redemption. The Senate hasn't only become a haven of crooks, it is now also the roasting pit for political enemies. It has transformed itself into a stage of shame where hypocrisy is limited only by its inability to find more victims.

The Makati parking building controversy is a local issue that can find redress in any number of appropriate forums and processes. The Senate may take issue in aid of legislation. But judging by the conduct of the hearings so far, legislation is farthest from the minds of the investigators. Instead, the obvious but unstated reason for the investigation is to destroy the political chances of one in favor of the other.

Anyone who has seen the hearings on tv will likely want to puke in disgust at the shamelessness with which the agenda is being pursued. They have thrown any pretense at subtlety or guile out the window. What you see are open and unbridled political attacks the likes of which you never expected to be waged on the august halls of the Senate once hallowed by the memories of honorable men with such names as Salonga, Diokno, Tañada, Aquino, Osmeña, Roxas, Manglapus, etc.

But those were the golden years of the Senate, when the word "honorable" resonated with the truth in its meaning, where every member was a lady or gentleman, and whose membership was won on the highest standards of ability, intelligence, honor and decency. The Senate was where leadership was tested and recognized, and where recognition often led to higher opportunities at excellence.

These days, the only feeling one can spare for these "senators" as they conduct themselves with self-inflicted self-righteousness is one of disgust. For what a hateful sight it is to see them go about their business of destroying their enemies ostensibly in the name of the people, and then to be served like kings with clean, sparkling water when their throats do dry by waiters, or catered meals paid for by the taxes of people they steal from.

Criminals must definitely be brought to justice. But it defeats the purpose of justice if obtaining it is just a means to an entirely different end, which is to promote one's political interests at the expense of another, no matter how guilty the latter may be. Still the Senate hearings are not completely lost. Things have a way of naturally evening up. The hearings may destroy the known target, but they also expose the true nature and character of the pretentious attackers.