OPINION
Ed Javier
Why Government Agencies Should Not Be Weaponized And Rep. Pleyto's Case
Photo credit: Salvador Aquino Pleyto
During our radio show today, DZRH Executive Session, which I co-host with DOJ Secretary Boying Remulla, Senator JV Ejercito, former Congressman Jonathan Dela Cruz, Atty. Dodo Dulay and Pao Capino, Cong. Jonat raised a very important issue about the weaponization of state agencies and I agree with him.
We must ensure that government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the police, military and others are not misused for political purposes or personal vendettas.
The reason this is so critical is that these institutions exist to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law, not to serve as tools in political battles. When state agencies are weaponized, it undermines justice and weakens our democracy.
Take the case involving incumbent Bulacan 6th District Representative Salvador Pleyto, Sr. who has been recently accused by his political rivals of harassment and threats.
These accusations, however, are clearly part of a larger political ploy designed to tarnish Pleyto’s name and divert attention from his record of service.
You see, lawyers affiliated with Pleyto’s political rivals held a press conference the other day, accusing him of harassment and physical threats. Pleyto, however, denied the allegations outright:
“I am running unopposed in this election, so I have no reason and no need to resort to harassment, threats, or any form of intimidation.”
It is puzzling to this writer why such accusations are being made against Pleyto, given that he is running unopposed after his opponent was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
With no political rival in the race, it simply doesn’t make sense for him to resort to violence or threats. Who exactly would he threaten? This absurd accusation is not just baseless, it’s entirely illogical given the circumstances.
He firmly declared that he has never engaged in such behavior, emphasizing his commitment to clean and fair elections.
Yet, beyond merely rejecting the accusations, Pleyto demonstrated uncommon transparency. As early as last year, he had proactively requested both the DOJ and the NBI to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the allegations.
This move reflects his confidence in due process and a commitment to ensuring the truth prevails.
“Today, I am personally following up with NBI Director Judge Jimmy Santiago, whom I deeply respect, to ensure that the process moves forward and the truth comes out.”
“I am confident that the truth shall prevail and we must let the axe fall where it may.”
This is a direct challenge to those who would seek to misuse public resources for personal or political vendettas.
Rep. Pleyto provided this writer with a copy of his letter to the NBI dated April 4, 2025, following up on his earlier request for an impartial investigation.
The letter requested the NBI’s immediate action on the matter so that Pleyto and his family can properly respond to the issues being hurled against them.
The impact of these allegations on Pleyto and his family cannot be overstated. These unfounded accusations not only tarnish his reputation but also cause immense emotional and psychological distress to his loved ones.
The stress of having one’s name dragged through the mud and the pressure it places on one’s family is a heavy burden to bear, especially when the allegations are nothing more than baseless political attacks.
In contrast, the broader issue raised here is more than just Pleyto’s personal defense, it is a matter of institutional integrity.
The DOJ, the NBI, the police, military and other government agencies must never allow themselves to be weaponized. Their role is not to serve the interests of those with power, but to protect the rule of law and the rights of every citizen.
When institutions such as the DOJ and NBI are manipulated for political purposes, they risk becoming pawns in a much larger game, a game where truth is the casualty.
As Pleyto explained, these false accusations are part of a larger political strategy:
“These accusations are clearly part of a desperate political ploy aimed at tarnishing my name and distracting the public from my record of service.”
Instead of a smear campaign, Pleyto advocated for a return to the principles of democracy, where the focus should be on performance and platforms, not character assassination.
He further emphasized that the truth will ultimately prevail, urging the public to place faith in due process.
“Let us not allow old-style politics, character assassination, and misinformation to take center stage. Our people deserve better.”
Pleyto’s commitment to transparency and due process should be a model for public service, especially in an election season where accusations often fly with little basis.
His resilience in the face of adversity stands as a stark contrast to the type of politics that seeks to destabilize the system through lies and manipulation.
But this issue is not just about one politician or one election—it is about the integrity of our democratic institutions. How many other public servants have been targeted not because they did wrong, but because they stood in the way?
How often are government agencies manipulated under the guise of “legal action” to destroy reputations and shift public focus away from real issues?
Pleyto’s situation is a cautionary tale that demands a nationwide reflection.
The reality is that the DOJ, the NBI, the police, military and all government institutions must remain impartial, resisting any form of political weaponization.
These institutions must not be used to settle scores or suppress political opposition. The trust of the Filipino people rests on these institutions remaining strong, independent, and free from political interference.
Their loyalty must be to the law and the people, not to any individual or political faction. In the end, justice must always be impartial. If it is to be trusted, it must be incorruptible.
The case of Rep. Pleyto underscores why we must ensure that our government institutions are not used as political tools.
For the sake of democracy, we must never allow them to be weaponized.
We must ensure that government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the police, military and others are not misused for political purposes or personal vendettas.
The reason this is so critical is that these institutions exist to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law, not to serve as tools in political battles. When state agencies are weaponized, it undermines justice and weakens our democracy.
Take the case involving incumbent Bulacan 6th District Representative Salvador Pleyto, Sr. who has been recently accused by his political rivals of harassment and threats.
These accusations, however, are clearly part of a larger political ploy designed to tarnish Pleyto’s name and divert attention from his record of service.
You see, lawyers affiliated with Pleyto’s political rivals held a press conference the other day, accusing him of harassment and physical threats. Pleyto, however, denied the allegations outright:
“I am running unopposed in this election, so I have no reason and no need to resort to harassment, threats, or any form of intimidation.”
It is puzzling to this writer why such accusations are being made against Pleyto, given that he is running unopposed after his opponent was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
With no political rival in the race, it simply doesn’t make sense for him to resort to violence or threats. Who exactly would he threaten? This absurd accusation is not just baseless, it’s entirely illogical given the circumstances.
He firmly declared that he has never engaged in such behavior, emphasizing his commitment to clean and fair elections.
Yet, beyond merely rejecting the accusations, Pleyto demonstrated uncommon transparency. As early as last year, he had proactively requested both the DOJ and the NBI to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the allegations.
This move reflects his confidence in due process and a commitment to ensuring the truth prevails.
“Today, I am personally following up with NBI Director Judge Jimmy Santiago, whom I deeply respect, to ensure that the process moves forward and the truth comes out.”
“I am confident that the truth shall prevail and we must let the axe fall where it may.”
This is a direct challenge to those who would seek to misuse public resources for personal or political vendettas.
Rep. Pleyto provided this writer with a copy of his letter to the NBI dated April 4, 2025, following up on his earlier request for an impartial investigation.
The letter requested the NBI’s immediate action on the matter so that Pleyto and his family can properly respond to the issues being hurled against them.
The impact of these allegations on Pleyto and his family cannot be overstated. These unfounded accusations not only tarnish his reputation but also cause immense emotional and psychological distress to his loved ones.
The stress of having one’s name dragged through the mud and the pressure it places on one’s family is a heavy burden to bear, especially when the allegations are nothing more than baseless political attacks.
In contrast, the broader issue raised here is more than just Pleyto’s personal defense, it is a matter of institutional integrity.
The DOJ, the NBI, the police, military and other government agencies must never allow themselves to be weaponized. Their role is not to serve the interests of those with power, but to protect the rule of law and the rights of every citizen.
When institutions such as the DOJ and NBI are manipulated for political purposes, they risk becoming pawns in a much larger game, a game where truth is the casualty.
As Pleyto explained, these false accusations are part of a larger political strategy:
“These accusations are clearly part of a desperate political ploy aimed at tarnishing my name and distracting the public from my record of service.”
Instead of a smear campaign, Pleyto advocated for a return to the principles of democracy, where the focus should be on performance and platforms, not character assassination.
He further emphasized that the truth will ultimately prevail, urging the public to place faith in due process.
“Let us not allow old-style politics, character assassination, and misinformation to take center stage. Our people deserve better.”
Pleyto’s commitment to transparency and due process should be a model for public service, especially in an election season where accusations often fly with little basis.
His resilience in the face of adversity stands as a stark contrast to the type of politics that seeks to destabilize the system through lies and manipulation.
But this issue is not just about one politician or one election—it is about the integrity of our democratic institutions. How many other public servants have been targeted not because they did wrong, but because they stood in the way?
How often are government agencies manipulated under the guise of “legal action” to destroy reputations and shift public focus away from real issues?
Pleyto’s situation is a cautionary tale that demands a nationwide reflection.
The reality is that the DOJ, the NBI, the police, military and all government institutions must remain impartial, resisting any form of political weaponization.
These institutions must not be used to settle scores or suppress political opposition. The trust of the Filipino people rests on these institutions remaining strong, independent, and free from political interference.
Their loyalty must be to the law and the people, not to any individual or political faction. In the end, justice must always be impartial. If it is to be trusted, it must be incorruptible.
The case of Rep. Pleyto underscores why we must ensure that our government institutions are not used as political tools.
For the sake of democracy, we must never allow them to be weaponized.
Apr 5, 2025
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