In the circus of Philippine politics, one constitutional change screams for attention like a clown with a megaphone: abolishing Congress’s power of investigative hearings. 

These spectacles, masquerading as inquiries “in aid of legislation,” have become a national pastime—a riveting drama of finger-pointing, grandstanding, and theatrical indignation where resource persons are disrespected.

But let’s call a spade a spade: these hearings are as useful as a screen door on a submarine. They serve as convenient distractions from the real work of lawmaking, with politicians honing their acting skills while the nation’s issues gather dust in the legislative backroom.

It’s high time we admit that Congress’s investigative powers are about political and personal agendas. Let law enforcement handle investigations; Congress can stick to what it is mandated to do — making laws, or at least attempting to. So let’s amend the constitution and bid farewell to this circus act. The only thing Congress should investigate is how to get its act together.