TOWNS Foundation disappointed with Loren Legarda's political decisions

The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) Foundation Inc. has expressed disappointment over the political stance on key issues of Senator Loren Legarda, a TOWNS awardee.

In a statement, TOWNS said it hoped Legarda would be able to "reflect deeply on whether her recent actions honor the values for which she was recognized as a TOWNS awardee."

The group aired its "profound disappointment" amid Legarda's move to "align with forces perceived to place political protection above truth, accountability, and justice," which it said "risks weakening public trust in democratic institutions."

"The consequences go beyond politics. They diminish public faith in leadership, deepen cynicism among the youth, and damage the credibility of Philippine democracy before the global community. At a time when nations are measured not only by economic strength but by the integrity of their institutions, silence or compromise from respected leaders carries a heavy cost," TOWNS said.

GMA News Online has reached out to Legarda's office for comment and will publish it as soon as available.

Legarda was one of the 13 senators who voted in favor of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate President last May 13, in a surprise leadership change ahead of the transmittal of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Legarda received the TOWNS Award in 1995 for her excellence in media.

In its post, the foundation said TOWNS women are expected to stand firm in crucial moments of the nation's history.

"Our distinction is not based solely on achievement, but on courage of conscience, the willingness to defend what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular. We are called to place country above alliances, principle above expediency, and service above self-interest," it said.

"The Senate's duty is not merely to enact laws, but to uphold the Constitution and ensure that no public official stands above accountability. History will remember not those who remained comfortable with power, but those who chose integrity when it mattered most," it added.

TOWNS Foundation said it remains hopeful Legarda would respond positively.

"The harm done to public trust and to the nation's moral standing need not be permanent. She still has the opportunity and the responsibility to help restore confidence in democratic institutions by choosing the path of constitutional fidelity, justice, and moral leadership," it said.

"We continue to hope that she will rise to that challenge, not only for her own legacy, but for the country she once inspired many to serve," it added.

Earlier, the student council of Assumption College San Lorenzo backed a petition for the removal of Legarda’s portrait from the school’s Wall of Empowered Women.

“While her past contributions are acknowledged, her recent political actions no longer reflect the values that Assumption upholds,” the council had said.—LDF, GMA News