Once again, the Philippine justice system exposes its glaring flaws, this time through the appointment of Geraldine Faith Econg as the new presiding justice of the Sandiganbayan. This is the very same court tasked with handling corruption cases—including those tied to the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose family has long been entangled in high-profile corruption cases, had the privilege of appointing a key figure in the very institution meant to hold the powerful accountable. If that’s not a conflict of interest, what is?

A Court That Serves the Powerful
Sandiganbayan was established to fight graft and corruption, to ensure that high-ranking government officials face justice for crimes like plunder and embezzlement. But in practice, it has become a stage for legal theatrics, where justice is delayed until it is denied. Take the Marcos wealth cases: some have dragged on for 20 to 34 years—so long that witnesses and prosecutors have died, effectively killing the cases before they could reach a resolution. Meanwhile, in the United States, former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in less than six months. The contrast is embarrassing, yet not surprising.

This is not just about the Marcoses. Former Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada, former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and other high-profile officials have all faced corruption charges, but how many have actually been held accountable? The Sandiganbayan has convicted some, but loopholes, appeals, and presidential pardons always come to their rescue. Enrile, despite facing plunder charges, was released on bail due to “humanitarian reasons” because of his old age. Yet an ordinary Filipino who steals food out of hunger is thrown in jail without mercy.

Econg’s Controversial Track Record
Justice Econg is no stranger to high-profile cases, and her judicial history speaks volumes about what to expect under her leadership. She was part of the division that acquitted Bong Revilla of plunder in the pork barrel scam, despite overwhelming public outrage. She also played a key role in dismissing the last remaining coconut levy cases, which involved billions of pesos allegedly stolen during the Marcos dictatorship. These rulings benefited powerful figures—including her new boss’s family. And now, she holds one of the most influential judicial positions in the country.

Her past controversies don’t inspire confidence, either. Accusations of drug use and involvement in an alleged marriage scam in Cebu may have been dismissed, but they cast a shadow over her integrity. It’s hard not to wonder: Is she the kind of justice who serves the people—or the political elite?

Justice for Sale?
Filipinos know how the system works: if you have the right connections and enough money, you can navigate your way out of almost any legal trouble. Cases are prolonged, evidence disappears, and key witnesses change their stories. Behind closed doors, cases are “fixed” at the right price. Prosecutors and judges who play along get richer than their salaries could ever justify. Meanwhile, the poor—who have no money for lawyers, bail, or bribes—languish in overcrowded jails for petty crimes.

Sandiganbayan’s three-judge setup is supposed to prevent corruption, but instead, it enables delays. Decisions take years, giving defendants time to pull political strings or simply wait until public interest fades. The longer a case drags on, the easier it becomes to manipulate.

A Nation Held Hostage by Corruption
Econg swore an oath to uphold justice, but what kind of justice will she deliver? If history is any indication, it won’t be justice for the ordinary Filipino. It will be justice that favors the wealthy, the powerful, and the politically connected—paid for with taxpayers' money.

The Marcos wealth cases will continue to rot in Sandiganbayan, serving as nothing more than a reminder of how deeply entrenched corruption is in our system. Political patronage remains king, and the Sandiganbayan remains a mere illusion of accountability.

Until Filipinos demand real change—until the culture of impunity is dismantled—the cycle will continue. The rich will keep stealing, the courts will keep stalling, and justice will remain a privilege, not a right. Mabuhay ang mga magnanakaw! Indeed, what a shame.

Sad for our country again.
(Tambuli Ng Bayan- Ronnie Estrada)