’Conscience commission’ for lifestyle checks sought

AN ordinance that would create a “conscience commission” to conduct lifestyle checks on Cebu City’s officials was proposed in yesterday’s Cebu City Council session.
In a privilege speech, Councilor James Cuenco, proponent of the ordinance, said the commission will be composed of three members of the community with unquestioned integrity.
“The Conscience Commission will be tasked to perform an inquisition only on those officials of the Cebu City government who will voluntarily yield to the process,” the councilor said.
The proposal was questioned by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who said the commission could be used for “witch-hunting.”
Both Rama and Cuenco are allies under the Team Rama bloc.
Cuenco proposed the appointment of former Asst. Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Palanca-Santiago, Retired Court of Appeals Justice Portia Hormacheulos, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Meinrado Paredes, and Court of Appeals Justice Gabriel Ingles into the commission.
Cuenco said the “conscience commission” is in keeping with President Benigno Aquino III’s campaign for good governance.
He said the lifestyle check will consist of the inspection of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth of officials.
“It isn’t compulsory. As public officials we should have clean hands. There’s no need to hide,” Cuenco said.
Team Rama ally and Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos said she is open to a lifestyle check.
Councilors Margot Osmeña and Hanz Abella also said they were okay with the lifestyle check.
But Rama said he doesn’t see the need for a conscience commission. He said it is the Ombudsman-Visayas that’s mandated to go after corrupt officials.
“I have nothing to check on my life. I am a simple man,” Rama said when sought for comment.
Rama said doing a lifestyle check is an indication that there’s so much mistrust on people in government. With Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac