📷House of Representatives | MANILA BULLETIN
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro today commented on the construction of a new detention facility in Congress, emphasizing that while it is within the legislature’s power, it must be used judiciously and in service of truth-seeking.
“The Supreme Court has affirmed Congress’ power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, including the power of contempt and arrest. However, we must remember that with great power comes great responsibility,” Rep. Castro stated.
The lawmaker noted that the new facility could be seen as a response to increasing challenges in compelling witnesses to testify truthfully in congressional inquiries.
“What the construction of a separate detention facility in Congress portends to is that more and more witnesses or resource persons are determined to hide the truth. They must be compelled to reveal crucial information, especially regarding issues like the extra-judicial killings under the fake drug war of the Duterte administration and the POGO controversy,” Castro explained.
However, she cautioned against potential abuses of this power. “While we recognize the need for such a facility, we must ensure that it is used solely for its intended purpose – to aid in legislation and uncover the truth. It should never be used as a tool for intimidation or political persecution and violation of citizens’ rights under the Constitution and laws.”
Rep. Castro called on her colleagues in Congress to exercise utmost discretion and fairness in using the detention facility. “Let us use this tool wisely and judiciously, always in pursuit of truth and in service of the Filipino people,” she concluded.
