I am all for President Duterte’s push to end criminality, drugs and corruption. I must say, however, that this campaign must be balanced with civil and human rights.
Yes, the President must execute and implement the law. That’s his mandate. But this does not mean that the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency should resort to unlawful arrests and summary killings. I say these in the wake of killings apparently perpetuated by vigilante groups.
I must say that I am bothered by the Philippine National Police data that from July 1 to July 24, there have been 293 killings—and the number is growing. A total of 3,749 suspects have been arrested nationwide during the first 24 days of the Duterte administration, while 129,753 alleged drug users have surrendered.
I admit that we now have a President who walks his talk. He has the political will to do things that past presidents, especially BS Aquino, have failed to do. It’s only now that a president has dared to fight criminality, illegal drugs and corruption—things that have damaged our moral fiber.
Duterte has also done away with the incompetence, ineptitude, mediocrity and lack of empathy that served as the hallmark of the Aquino administration.
It’s only under the Duterte government that I see people’s faith and confidence in government being restored. Without people’s confidence, government leaders will not be able to do anything to move the nation forward.
I was, in fact, elated when Digong started his speech by stating that he would not dwell on the sins of the past. This has always been the problem of BS Aquino who always liked to tell us he was the White Knight ordained to pursue the Holy Grail.
What bothers me most, however, is the fact that people have been desensitized to the spate of killings now going on in the name of the fight against illegal drugs. I cannot see any organized protest. The Catholic Church itself appears ambivalent. Are we condoning these killings? This is tragic, I think, because even criminals have rights under the law.
Yes, I admire the President’s resolve to end the drug menace, but I also believe that these killings promote a culture of violence and impunity.
During the Sona, Duterte said human rights are no excuse to destroy our country. My gulay, I wonder if Digong meant that suspected criminals and alleged drug dealers no longer have human rights.
As a lawyer and a former prosecutor himself, Digong knows that the rule of law and due process must prevail. In fact, he made that commitment to do justice to every man and defend and protect the Constitution when he placed his hand on the Bible and raised his right hand.
* * *
I have said that going after the pushers is only half of the solution to the drug problem. Equal attention must be given to the rehabilitation of drug users so that they could be productive members of society again.
There are only a few centers for rehabilitation—in Bicutan and Tagaytay. Some local government units also have facilities, but these only isolate the drug users.
Without real rehabilitation, the problem will continue. The surrender of thousands will amount to nothing. So long as there is demand, the menace will remain with us. There will be those from the outside—the Chinese triad, the West African syndicate and even the Sinaloa cartel from Mexico—to provide supply to meet that demand. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry that corrupts governments.
It is said that government is setting aside P1 billion for the building of drug centers and facilities nationwide. They must be kidding. These structures need to be staffed with psychiatrists and psychologists. I think the figure is something closer to P50 billion.
I used to be vice president at DARE Foundation, where I dealt with drug users from both rich and poor families. I know that rehabilitation of drug addicts could take years.
* * *
A lot of businessmen I know have complained to me that government often interferes too much in business and investments, to the extent of over-regulating and restricting business and industry.
They say that even in simply getting permits from a city or municipal mayor, they have to pay money by the millions just to get a mayor’s permit to build a factory or an industry.
Santa Banana, in the Calabarzon area, businessmen have a difficult time getting all sorts of clearances and permits.
Then, there are always government offices to contend with. The most regulated businesses in the country are telecom and mining companies. Globe of the Ayalas and Smart of PLDT not only have the National Telecommunications Commission to contend with. They also have the Philippine Competition Commission that supposedly restricts monopoly.
The PCC in fact has interfered with the P70-million purchase of Globe and Smart of the San Miguel telecom assets. This would have allowed for better internet service to the public.
Another overregulated industry is mining with so many dos and don’ts. It is now even worse under the Duterte government, with ABS-CBN heiress Gina Lopez as secretary of environment and natural resources. Lopez is an anti-mining advocate. As such, she is now imposing additional restrictions in mining, like audit and clearances.
Santa Banana, even the House of Representatives under newly elected Speaker Bebot Alvarez now wants mining firms to have legislative franchises. This means it’s “Open City” for politicians to extort money from mining operators.