All these lead me to the conclusion that there is no other respectable option but to call on the Justice Secretary to resign,” this was the conclusion of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros during her privilege speech at the senate on Monday. “Very obvious, kaya nga expedite natin ang cases niyo vs her [Very obvious, let’s expedite your cases against her],” Aguirred replied. Aguirre’s reaction came after the opposition senators issued on Tuesday morning a statement joining Hontiveros in a clamor for the Justice secretary’s resignation but later in the day took it back after Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan posted a message on social media citing miscommunication. This recent development once more highlights his unethical actions as a public official,” the minority senators said in a statement. Aside from Hontiveros, the five other minority members in the Senate are Franklin Drilon, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Benigno Paulo “Bam” Aquino IV, and Leila De Lima, all part of the Liberal Party (LP); and Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV. Senator Hontiveros released on Monday several photos of Aguirre’s exchange of text messages with the member of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) Jacinto “Jing” Paras, which she accused of plotting case against her while a senate hearing is ongoing. The senators said Aguirre’s actions “signify a lack of competence for a man who holds the highest office on justice” and “clearly violate the norms of conduct for public officials under the law.”

“The Filipinos deserve better than a Cabinet official who resorts to spreading lies, sowing intrigue and to name-calling.
Philippine senators call for Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to resign.