PLM CPA-SC Prexy, groups file ethics complaint vs. Sen. Pia Cayetano

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Public Administration Student Council (CPA-SC) President Joahna Marie Dela Cruz, along with Every Women Philippines and The Sanctuary Network, filed an ethics complaint against Sen. Pia Cayetano on July 28 over an allegedly “spliced” Facebook video.

The complainants asked the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate Cayetano’s July 24 Facebook post, which featured statements from Akbayan Rep. Joseph Manuel “Chel” Diokno and Senator-Judge Allan Peter Cayetano during the July 20 impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In the clip, Diokno argued about the prosecution’s request to subpoena the bank and tax records of VP Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio.

Cayetano captioned the post, “Nagbabakasakali lang?” and “Walang mga ebidensya pero nag aakusa na!” referring to Diokno’s remarks on a “fishing expedition.”

The complainants alleged that the video highlighted only a portion of Diokno’s remarks, including “nagbabakasakali lang— baka may makuha tayo dito,” while omitting statements that preceded and followed it.

They said Diokno was explaining that a fishing expedition may occur when a party seeks evidence or documents merely in the hope of finding something that can support its case.

The complainants argued that presenting only a portion of Diokno’s statement altered its context and meaning.

Dela Cruz raises concerns over post’s impact

In an interview, Dela Cruz said that Cayetano, as a lawyer, is bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which prohibits lawyers from engaging in ‘‘unlawful, dishonest, immoral, and deceitful’’ conduct.

“As public servants, they should be responsible to ensure na lahat ng video na ipino-post or information na shine-share nila ay hindi lang totoo, but kumpleto,” she said.

Dela Cruz also raised concerns over the video’s continued circulation, saying it could affect the credibility of the senator-judge in the ongoing impeachment trial.

“As a lawyer, as a senator-judge, they took an oath to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws of the Philippines. Hindi lang siya oath but a direct mandate of the Constitution,” she added.

She continued by calling the Senate to promptly investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

“As student leaders, we are expected to have high ethical regard and be accountable as student leaders. And what more than the national government?” she said.

She also urged fellow student leaders to remain attentive to the actions of public officials, saying that filing a formal complaint provides a means to seek accountability beyond issuing a public statement.

Cayetano has yet to release a public statement regarding the post or the complaint.