Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda CR -514: Report on the Privilege Speech of Sen. Hontiveros on Human Trafficking

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues,

Let it be clear and firmly placed on the record: this inquiry has never been solely about one individual. It is about an extensive web of deceit—a network of human trafficking, money laundering, document falsification, corruption, owning hectares of our lands by aliens for criminal activities, and other illegal operations. The fraudulent acquisition of legitimate government documents by aliens carries grave and far-reaching consequences. It facilitates crimes such as human trafficking and identity theft, inflicting direct harm on Filipino citizens.

It creates unfair competition for jobs and social services meant for our people. It enables foreigners to acquire our land and even run for public office. Worst of all, it erodes public confidence in our institutions and jeopardizes national security. To those who facilitated, conspired, and aided these despicable acts—whether seated in power or lurking in the shadows—your actions will not go unpunished. Justice will prevail, and the Filipino people will not be left to suffer in silence.

I commend the leadership of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, led by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros, alongside Senator Win Gatchalian, for leading the charge in our pursuit of truth and accountability.

To those within the government who have turned our nation’s trust into a business—issuing birth certificates, passports, and other vital documents to aliens, betraying the very citizens you swore to protect—remember this: being Filipino is not for sale, and your betrayal will not go unanswered.

With this, I reiterate my consistent call for a comprehensive review of fraudulently issued birth certificates and a thorough investigation into the role of public officials and employees complicit in these transactions. These syndicates are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods.

As public servants, it is our duty to be smarter and to stay ten steps ahead, constantly improving our strategies to protect our people.

Thank you.