The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) Foundation Inc. has expressed deep disappointment over the recent political actions of Senator Loren Legarda, a former recipient of the prestigious award, stating that her choices risk eroding faith in the country’s democratic systems.
In an official statement, the foundation called on Legarda to “reflect deeply on whether her recent actions honor the values for which she was recognized as a TOWNS awardee.”
The group’s criticism stems from Legarda’s perceived alignment “with forces perceived to place political protection above truth, accountability, and justice,” a move they warn has broader implications for the nation.
”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.
The statement follows a sudden leadership shakeup in the Senate on May 13, where Legarda joined 12 other lawmakers in voting for Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate President. The revamp occurred just before the expected transmittal of impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Legarda, who was honored with the TOWNS Award in 1995 for her outstanding contributions to media, was reminded by the organization that its awardees are held to a high standard of moral fortitude during pivotal moments in Philippine 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,” the group emphasized.
The foundation further stressed that the upper chamber’s primary responsibility extends beyond legislation to safeguarding constitutional integrity and ensuring absolute public accountability.
”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,” the statement read.
Despite the sharp rebuke, the TOWNS Foundation expressed hope that Legarda would recalibrate her stance and work toward rebuilding public trust.
”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,” the foundation noted.
“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.”
The backlash from the foundation aligns with growing scrutiny against the veteran lawmaker.
Recently, the student council of Assumption College San Lorenzo supported a petition to remove Legarda’s portrait from the institution’s “Wall of Empowered Women,” citing that her political maneuvers no longer mirror the core values of her alma mater.