MANILA - Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called for the resignation of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, following actions the senator believes are unbecoming of a justice secretary.

In a privilege speech, Hontiveros said Aguirre has been using his position to harass opposition senators by threatening them with lawsuits.

"I can't help but think that this supports the growing perception that cases are being filed against members of the opposition in order to silence and harass us. It seems to me that the motivation of the justice secretary is not the pursuit of accountability but the pursuit of political vendetta. Our laws on accountability should be weapons for truth and better governance, not weapons wielded against political opponents who do not toe the line," she said.

"Hindi ako magtataka kung sa mga susunod na araw ay may mga kaso nang isasampa laban sa akin si Justice Secretary o ng kanyang mga galamay. If the justice secretary wants to file cases against me, see you in court, Mr. Aguirre," Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros believes Aguirre has been abusing his power, filing cases against opposition lawmakers even without strong evidence.

"Opposition legislators voted by the people are charged on the flimsiest of evidence. Criminal cases are being used by the executive against the legislature. Anyone with that kind of power must hold himself to the highest standard of impartiality. But this is apparently not important to the good secretary. Siya po ay nakikipagkuntsabahan sa isang grupo para magsampa ng isang kaso, kaso na opisina din niya ang magpapasiya kung may probable cause o wala," she said.

"All these lead me to the conclusion that there is no other respectable option but to call on the justice secretary to resign. He is in violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees," Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros also said that Aguirre remaining as justice secretary is a "vulgar insult" to the Filipino people.

"Secretary Aguirre undermines our justice system, and his continued stay in office is a vulgar insult to the Filipino people and our efforts for a more just society," she said.

"No legislator must be threatened with arrest or imprisonment for acts which she or he believes in good faith to be within the realm of functions reposed in her and him by the Constitution," Hontiveros added.

Aguirre earlier questioned the credibility of witnesses in the Kian delos Santos slay case, saying they might be “brainwashed” under the care of Hontiveros, an opposition lawmaker.

Hontiveros had taken custody of witnesses in Delos Santos' August 16 killing, saying they were receiving threats.

The senator has also asked Aguirre to inhibit from any investigation on the Delos Santos case, after the justice secretary questioned the credibility of witnesses.

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