A snap election will not restore public trust in government, but the certainty of punishment for corrupt officials will, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ M. Lacson said in an emailed statement today, October 6.
“Election, snap or regular, is not the solution. In fact, election campaigns actually add to more corruption — of the electorate by the candidates,” Lacson said.
Lacson made the statement after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano suggested holding a snap election for the President, Vice President, and members of Congress to rebuild confidence in the government.
The senator warned that elections, whether regular or premature, could even worsen corruption as some candidates use public funds to buy votes.
He pointed out that ensuring swift and certain punishment for wrongdoing would be a far stronger deterrent.
“For a change, how about certainty of punishment of corrupt politicians? The higher the better,” Lacson said.
Lacson has long advocated for measures that ensure the prosecution, conviction, and imprisonment of officials involved in corruption, saying accountability — not political resets — is what will truly restore public trust.
