Wazzup Pilipinas!?
A narrative has emerged attempting to paint a particular lawmaker’s statements as unethical, improper, and even un-Christian. But before emotions cloud our judgment, let us dissect this claim with logic, law, and a proper understanding of accountability.
"TRUE REMORSE
The threats given by this lawmaker against social media personalities during yesterday' hearing at the House of Representatives was unethical, improper and un-Christian.
His words qualifies as a THREAT because it uses the possibility of a legal mechanism as leverage to force the witnesses to take action. It creates pressure or intimidation on the part of the resource persons to compel compliance.
His behavior was UNETHICAL because under Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, lawmakers are expected to respect the dignity of witnesses, avoid using their authority for personal or political motives and must act with justness and sincerity with no discrimination against anyone.
His utterances were IMPROPER because it was a blatant exercise of abuse of power and a clear intimidation tactic. It was a display of grave coercion of speech infringing on the witness's right to free expression.
Being a devout pastor - his remarks were UNCHRISTIAN because it forces someone to do something under threat of punishment which contradicts the spirit of genuine repentance and deprives them of free will.
So it was and so be it.
LESSON : The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse applies to all the bloggers - in other words, true remorse must come from the heart, not from external pressure.
Those weren’t just tears, they were the kind that come when a person is pushed to the edge, not because they’ve done wrong, but because they’re being made to feel powerless. That was frustration, not guilt. What we saw wasn’t an apology, it was submission, extracted under pressure, in front of an audience meant to watch and learn “This is what happens when you speak out”
People don’t cry like that over lies, they cry like that when their dignity is stripped and is humilated in public. This wasn’t about setting the record straight;, it was about enforcing silence.
When leaders spend more time shaming critics than answering them, something important breaks, not just in individuals, but in a nation’s spirit"
The Truth About "Threats" and Accountability
The claim that the lawmaker issued a "threat" simply because he referenced legal consequences is a gross misinterpretation of what actually transpired. There is a fundamental difference between a lawful warning and a coercive threat.
A "threat" implies unlawful intimidation or undue influence. However, a legislator reminding individuals that legal consequences exist if they continue to mislead the public or spread disinformation is neither intimidation nor coercion—it is a necessary reminder of accountability.
To argue that resource persons were "compelled" is to misunderstand the very nature of legal proceedings. When one is called to testify, they do not enter as victims but as responsible individuals expected to answer for their words and actions. Public scrutiny is not persecution—it is the reality of being part of a democracy.
Unethical? Or Just Uncomfortable for the Accused?
The invocation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, is ironic. This law mandates that public officials uphold honesty and integrity—not shield individuals from the responsibility of their actions.
Was the lawmaker disrespectful? No. He conducted a lawful inquiry.
Did he use authority for personal or political gain? There is no evidence of this.
Did he act with justness and sincerity? Absolutely. The duty of public servants is not to comfort those who mislead but to protect the people from disinformation.
If citing the law is now considered intimidation, then every legal process in the country would be suspect. The attempt to frame this as "grave coercion" is a distortion of the truth, designed to deflect from the real issue: ensuring accountability for what was said and done in the digital space.
"Un-Christian" Is Not the Same as Unlawful
A reference to Christianity is being weaponized to argue that the lawmaker’s stance was somehow oppressive. But let’s not confuse Christian values with the obligation to uphold justice.
Christianity does not teach that people should be immune from consequences. In fact, accountability is deeply embedded in Christian teachings. The Bible warns against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) and emphasizes that truth must prevail (John 8:32).
Using 2 Corinthians 9:7 to argue that remorse should be voluntary is misleading. That verse pertains to giving offerings—not evading responsibility for spreading disinformation. It is a misapplication of scripture to suggest that truth-seekers should allow lies to flourish unchecked.
Tears Do Not Equal Truth
The emotional appeal about tears and public humiliation is an attempt to shift the focus from facts to feelings.
Were there tears? Perhaps. But tears do not prove innocence.
Was there frustration? Likely. But frustration can stem from exposure, not from injustice.
Was this about "enforcing silence"? No—it was about demanding honesty and integrity.
The attempt to frame this as "public shaming" rather than a necessary confrontation with the truth is a dangerous distortion. When the accused becomes the victim and the one seeking truth is portrayed as the oppressor, we risk normalizing falsehoods and undermining legitimate democratic processes.
What Happens When Leaders Demand Answers
"When leaders spend more time shaming critics than answering them, something important breaks, not just in individuals, but in a nation’s spirit."
This statement would be powerful—if it were true. However, the real question is: who is being silenced, and who is being held accountable?
It is not the role of lawmakers to comfort those who mislead the public. It is their duty to expose falsehoods, demand accountability, and ensure that the truth prevails.
If holding people accountable "breaks the nation’s spirit," then what does allowing disinformation to thrive do?
A nation that values the truth will never be broken by accountability.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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