Competence may be declining, but the English language continues to expand and refine its affinity for wordplay. It remains vigorous enough to add flavor to Filipino language and inject a touch of bitterness, akin to the preferred seasoning in Philippine cuisine, into Philippine humor. Admittedly, this type of humor may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as puns can cut through deeply for those who believe they must endure injustice.
While many view the “education crisis” as the most pressing challenge in the country, recent issues suggest that the justice system poses an equally daunting, deeply-rooted, and urgent problem. For individuals who have received poor basic education, options for lifelong learning can serve as a remedy. Unfortunately, unjustly executed individuals do not have access to this recourse.
The larger the bureaucracy, and the Department of Education (DepEd) being the largest, the stronger the tendency to resist reforms that threaten the status quo. However, due to the clear standards set for basic education, the size and centralized nature of DepEd make it easier to identify gaps in performance. On the other hand, the justice system lacks this clarity as it relies on five “pillars”: law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, corrections, and the community. The legislature also plays a significant role in impeaching errant officials and producing laws that can promote justice or be manipulated for vested interests.
For justice to thrive, all five pillars need to carry their respective weight. This requires strong pillars that are effectively balanced and aligned with each other. Regular monitoring and maintenance are necessary to ensure that the pillars can handle the increasingly heavy burden brought about by population growth. Over time, wear and tear have revealed areas that have eroded and weakened, prompting caretakers to address these issues with varying levels of success.
Debating which pillar should bear the greatest weight is futile since the strength of the overall structure depends on the weakest pillar. Furthermore, conflicting demands on the system present formidable challenges. It is essential for laws and processes to be clear and consistently applied, but implementation must also consider the specific context of individual cases, allowing for some flexibility. Otherwise, the system might put innocent defendants in a perilous position and cause harm to the very individuals tasked with serving justice.
The drug war has particularly strained the law enforcement pillar, with numerous suspects allegedly falling victim to summary execution. As a result, the burden on prosecution, judiciary, and correctional duties has seemingly lightened. Very few cases of extrajudicial killings have been brought against law enforcement officials, reducing the need for follow-up from the partner pillars. Reports from the media and surveys on corruption indicate that all pillars of the justice system require reinforcement.
The involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines further questions the efficacy of the justice system. President Marcos refuses to cooperate with the ICC, claiming that the country already has a functioning system of justice. However, it is worth noting that we joined the ICC while having a complex and intricate system in place. As a senator, Mr. Marcos supported ICC membership as a means to protect human rights in the country. The ICC case raises doubts about whether the system is truly capable of safeguarding the innocent and punishing the guilty through just laws that are impartially and effectively enforced. By rejecting ICC assistance, the Marcos administration takes on the responsibility of proving that our system can truly deliver justice.
In conclusion, it is evident that the justice system in the Philippines faces significant challenges. To ensure justice is served, all pillars must be strengthened and aligned with each other. Clear and consistent implementation of laws and processes is crucial, but flexibility is also required to account for specific contexts. The involvement of the ICC highlights the need for improvement and reinforces the importance of a system that protects the rights of all individuals.
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