Sotto vows Senate’s continuous effort to expose corruption in gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will “continuously seek” to uncover corruption in public service, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Monday as the upper chamber opened its session ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

READ: Senate opens 3rd regular session ahead of Duterte’s final SONA

“We will continuously seek to expose corruption in public service and direct the searchlight of one of our committees towards the dark corners of our bureaucracy where corruption and injustice thrive unnoticed,” Sotto said in a speech.

The Senate, he added, is also “ready and willing” to partner with other branches of government “in correcting any wrong or discontinue a measure that is counter-productive.”

“Let us seek a path for recovery and redemption,” the Senate leader said.

Before this, Sotto laid out the Senate’s priority measures for the third regular session of the 18th Congress.

He assured that the Senate will stay committed in providing funds for the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This august body will not only focus on the foregoing legislative measures. Since freedom and justice have their sanctuary here, and free speech is our weapon of choice; the Senate has always been known and expected to provide the forum to debate on public issues and promote the public welfare,” Sotto also said.

“We will also unceasingly address the usual concerns of the common man for food, shelter, education, and medical help,” he added.

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