Rodante Marcoleta may have intended to undermine Risa Hontiveros by pointing out that she is not a lawyer, but his remarks only exposed a deeper problem in Philippine politics: arrogance disguised as intellectual superiority.
Instead of addressing the issue directly, Marcoleta chose to question Senator Hontiveros’ capability to understand rules and procedures. That approach did not strengthen his argument—it weakened it. Public debates are not won by flaunting credentials but by presenting facts, logic, and sound reasoning. When a politician relies on belittling others instead of defending his position, it suggests insecurity more than confidence.
What makes the statement even more disappointing is the implication behind it: that ordinary Filipinos without legal degrees are somehow less capable of understanding governance and accountability. Such thinking is elitist and detached from reality. In fact, there are citizens who never stepped into law school and still possess common sense, critical thinking, and the ability to recognize when something is wrong.
The Senate was never designed to be a room exclusively for lawyers. It is a democratic institution composed of leaders from different walks of life. Some come from journalism, healthcare, business, education, and public service. Their role is not to parade titles but to represent the people. By reducing discussions to professional credentials, Marcoleta ignored the very essence of democracy—that every voice deserves to be heard and evaluated fairly.
Ironically, history has repeatedly shown that intelligence is not monopolized by any profession. There are lawyers who make poor decisions and non-lawyers who demonstrate wisdom, discipline, and strong leadership. Competence is proven through actions, not through the letters attached to one’s name.
At a time when Filipinos are demanding accountability and mature leadership, public officials should rise above petty attacks. The country does not need leaders who weaponize credentials to silence criticism. It needs leaders who can engage in honest debate, respect differing opinions, and defend their positions without resorting to condescension.
Marcoleta’s remarks may have been aimed at humiliating Senator Hontiveros, but in the end, they revealed more about his attitude than her capability.
