Berberabe and the Burden of Power: Can the OSG Still Serve the People?

When Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra Berberabe stepped into the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), he inherited more than a title — he inherited a system overwhelmed by power, pressure, and politics.

Today, the OSG is handling over 140,000 active cases, ranging from civil disputes and criminal appeals to some of the most politically sensitive legal battles in the country. For Berberabe, the challenge is no longer just about winning cases — it’s about balancing justice, independence, and public trust in a polarized environment.

In a recent interview, Berberabe admitted the weight of the responsibility. As the government’s chief lawyer, the OSG is expected to defend the state — yet also uphold fairness, due process, and the rule of law. That balancing act becomes especially difficult when cases involve powerful institutions, high-ranking officials, or controversial government actions.

Critics argue that the OSG has increasingly relied on procedural defenses — appeals, technical motions, and delays — which, while legal, may contribute to a perception that justice is being stalled rather than served. Berberabe himself acknowledged that the office is rethinking this approach, exploring ways to simplify litigation and reduce unnecessary appeals.

The burden is not merely institutional — it is personal. Berberabe has spoken openly about protecting his family, particularly his daughter, from public scrutiny. In an era where public officials are relentlessly targeted online, the human cost of public service has become impossible to ignore.

Yet the deeper question remains: Can the OSG remain credible if the public increasingly doubts whose interests it truly serves?

As corruption scandals mount, budgets swell, and accountability mechanisms weaken, the role of the OSG becomes more crucial — and more scrutinized. The office stands at a crossroads: continue operating as a defensive shield for the state, or evolve into a legal institution that actively restores public confidence in governance.

Justice, after all, is not only measured by court victories — but by whether the people still believe the law works for them.