Public Office is public trust.

Ladies and gentlemen, Your Honors, Good afternoon.

Some points of rebuttal before I proceed, the first negative speaker contends that there
is a violation of an individual’s right to presumption of innocence but we say otherwise.
We would like to reiterate that an exception to such rule is
when there is a REASONABLE CONNECTION between the fact
presumed and the fact ultimately proven from such fact. If there is proof of
corruption and participation in illegal drug trade, the presumption of innocence cannot
stand and this there is no need to wait for final conviction.
Now on to my constructive, the affirmative respectfully submits that The
disqualification of politicians in the 2019 elections allegedly involved in corruption and
illegal drugs is valid. And it would be beneficial to have them disqualified on two
grounds:
First, public office being one of public trust and second, disqualification of these
officials is in keeping with our aim of good governance.
Public service is the highest form of calling and corruption and illegal drugs affects us
all. It threatens sustainable development, ethical values, and justice; it destabilizes our
society and endangers the rule of law. It undermines the institution and values of our
democracy. But because public policies and resources are largely beneficial to the
poor; it is they who suffer the harmful effects of corruption and illegal drug trade most
grievously.
Article XI Section 1 provides that Public office is a public trust. All government officials
must at all times serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency
act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives. 1 This constitutional mandate
should always be in the minds of all public servants and those who aspire to be.
In the case of City Mayor of Zamboanga v CA, the Court enunciated that time and
again, We hear of public servants or aspirants acting in utter defiance of the principles
enshrined in the Constitution and in complete disregard of what they swore in the name
of God before applying and assuming their posts in the public service. Consequently,
the people's trust and faith in the government has slowly eroded. There in very little
respect and confidence left.

This in turn has resulted in a widespread feeling of disappointment and dissatisfaction

in the government machinery. Gone are the days when one of the shining ambitions
of a college graduate was to have a career in the civil service; when working in the
government meant self-fulfillment. Now, young and talented graduates shy away from
the public service which is unfortunately perceived to be unattractive and totally lacking
in luster and integrity. It is only when those in the government sector serve with the
highest degree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency and act in accordance
with the tenets of the Constitution can such lost respect and confidence be regained.
This case is typical of what a public servant should not be.
To allow public servants to be those involved in corruption and illegal drug trade would
be a mockery to the fundamental rule that a public office is a public trust and would
render futile the constitutional dictates on the promotion of morale, efficiency, integrity,
responsiveness, progressiveness and courtesy in the government service. 6 Likewise,
this would place these officials, if they shall be elected, in such a position where the
persons whom he is supposed to lead have already lost their respect for him and
where his tarnished reputation would continue to hound him.

Second, Corruption and bad management practices eat into the nation’s wealth,
channelling money away from such projects and the very people most dependent on
government for support.

Adherence to good governance creates an environment where corruption struggles to

flourish. Failure to adhere to the practices of good governance means stakeholders
increasingly demand accountability. Mass action and strikes are organised in protest as
citizens begin to lose faith in the ability or willingness of their elected officials. Political
instability increases. Investment declines. The sale of shares by investors decreases the
value and rating of companies. Their regulators can deny them licences, a stock exchange
listing or the ability to sell products and services. Other organisations refuse to do business
with them. And donors or economic organisations grant fewer loans or aid to nations
whose governance is murky.

For the sake of the electorate and bearing in mind that a public office must be held by
a person who is both mentally and morally fit, individuals involved in corruption and
illegal drug trade must be disqualified for the 2019 elections.
Cross

1. Would you agree that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land?
2. And when there is a conflict between the constitution and a special law, the
constitution prevails?
3. Are you familiar with Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution?
4. This being, public office is a public trust and All government officials must at all
times serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency act
with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.
5. Have you heard of a Corruption Perception Index?
6. And in 2017, the Philippines scored 34 out of 100, meaning we ranked 111 in
180 least corrupt countries.
7. This means we are one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and is that a
good thing?
8. Would you like a corrupt leader leading our country counsel?
9. Have you heard of the names Rolando Espinosa of Albuera Leyte counsel?
10. How about Reynaldo Parojinog of Ozamis City and Antonio Halili of Tanauan
City?
11. These narcopoliticians have been big names in the Philippine Drug Trade and
has held public office for a long time.
12. And that the areas lead by these narcopoliticians have remained to be 3 rd class
municipalities?
13. A hypothetical question counsel, would you think drug traders would make good
leaders?
14. Thus, would you agree with me that qualifications are to be met before one
could bid for public office?
15. And these qualifications have to be in keeping with principles of morality like
integrity, responsibility and justice?
16. Now, do you think a corrupt applicant would be seen as one with integrity as
required by the Constitution?
17. How about a drug trader, do you think they are the people with integrity desired
by the Constitution to lead?