Neck braces here, wheelchairs there, accountability nowhere.

When public officials face corruption charges, you do not usually get to see their defense in papers or speeches, because they’re suddenly suffering from a certain illness after some time. Illness that may have a cure, but somehow gives case proceedings a detour.

After nearly three months of being detained in Quezon City Jail over a non-bailable plunder case and separate graft charges, Senator Jinggoy Estrada was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe pain in his left knee, later diagnosed as a meniscal tear.

While his injury is medically legitimate, it cannot easily outweigh the allegations against him. He has been linked to allegations surrounding the anomalous flood control projects, controversies that have raised concerns over public safety and public property. Additionally, to direct the public to his left knee only understates the suffering of many Filipinos affected by the anomalies raised.

His orthopedic doctor said that the type of tear suffered by the senator usually requires surgery depending on the patient’s choice. Senator Estrada has all the resources to receive proper treatment, while many Filipinos affected by flood control anomalies are left with nothing but clinging to the hope that someone will be held accountable.

It may be his right to receive medical treatment accordingly, but it should not be used as an excuse to deter or defer accountability. This is because receiving medical treatment is a right, which is far from accountability that is a responsibility.

Under the Republic Act No. 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Act, a public officer who accumulates, amasses, or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a series or combination of overt or criminal acts defined by law may face life imprisonment and perpetual absolute disqualification from holding public office. The law safeguards us against public officials who use the public funds for their own interest including but not limited to its misappropriation and malversation.

Despite this, it seems that we are still being robbed by the government we are funding through our own hardships. During continuous rainfall, many Filipinos are still being drowned not only by the water brought by the rain, but also by the promises of the politicians who had sworn to serve us. When our safety is threatened by natural disasters and even criminals, we are left to fear for our own lives while those entrusted with powers and resources to protect us are busy preserving themselves.

Our Constitution provides that public office is a “public trust.” Unfortunately, the oath of office sworn by our public officials became an “out-of-office” message when we needed them most.

His pain may be real—no one says otherwise—but it is nothing compared to the pain Filipinos continue to bear from the consequences of continuous allegations of corruption.

The Frontman