Many are calling for the resignation of Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa in the aftermath of the strangulation of Hanjin executive Jee Ick Joo right inside Camp Crame. President Rodrigo Duterte, however, has spoken: Bato has his complete trust and confidence.
But trust and confidence are not the issue in this killing. It is, instead, whether or not Dela Rosa is still respected by his subordinates when they can commit so brazen a crime right at the PNP headquarters.
I’m not saying that President Duterte must be blamed for what happened to the Korean. He should, however, be aware of the fact that the police force is one of the most corrupt agencies in the government, and there are many scalawags in uniform.
As top cop, the President should also ensure that the police will not taint his image as he carries out his war on illegal drugs.
When Mr. Duterte said Bato still had his trust and confidence, he assumed full responsibility for all actions of the police.
As for Dela Rosa, if he has any self-respect left, he should go. But no—he is leaving it up to the President.
In the days of the Roman Empire, when generals committed anything that tainted the integrity and image of the emperor, they fell on their swords.
I don’t know Dela Rosa personally, although I met him when he spoke once before the Manila Overseas Press Club where I’m chairman emeritus. I know, however, that a police chief has full responsibility for what his people do.
In a way, President Duterte encouraged the killing of the South Korean and every other killing in the war against illegal drugs. The President keeps telling the police that he would protect and defend them.
The President has been known to say that between a criminal and a cop, he would rather believe the latter. This was after the assassination of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa inside his cell. Those responsible were neither relieved nor prosecuted. They were reinstated.
So can we still believe the PNP when it says it can be made responsible to serve and protect the people? Can President Duterte and General Dela Rosa restore the people’s faith and confidence in the police? If we cannot trust our cops to protect us in our homes and on the streets, whom can we trust?
The President enjoys the support of the people, a survey has shown. The killing of the Korean businessman will test that.
From hereon, Dela Rosa must realize that he should not go gallivanting, like what he did when he and his family went to attend the boxing match of Senator Manny Pacquiao in Los Angeles. Last week, he was seen attending a concert. Does he not care about his responsibilities as police chief?
* * *
Nearly two years have passed since the Mamasapano massacre. This was when members of the PNP Special Action Force, sent out to serve a warrant on terrorists, were killed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private armed groups.
Until now, a Cotabato court has not issued arrest warrants on some 100 individuals responsible for the killings. It has not yet found any probable cause against those already identified.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has been directed by the President to update him on the status of the Mamasapano debacle. The secretary wants the case transferred to Manila.
I’m not too sure if the families of the 44 slain men will ever get justice. They could easily go the way of those killed in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao in 2009. Until now, the cases have not been resolved.
Will justice ever be served? We will see whether this will happen under the watch of President Duterte.
* * *
I’m not too sure whether Solicitor General Jose Calida knows his law. He says the President can proclaim martial law even without invasion or rebellion when public safety demands it.
Calida says the President can proclaim martial law as he sees fit—especially if it is to save the country. Under what circumstances, he did not say.
If the government’s top lawyer can justify martial law if the President has to “save the country,” Santa Banana, anything can happen!
Can the proclamation of martial law be justified because the drug menace has become virulent? It appears President Duterte and Solicitor General Calida believe this is the answer. That’s stretching the imagination!
The President said that if Congress and the Supreme Court cannot agree on the justification of martial law, he would need to declare it. But doesn’t Duterte realize that the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of the 1987 Constitution? Read the Constitution again, Mister President, and realize that the Supreme Court has the final say, whether you like it or not.
* * *
The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States has highlighted uncertainties in our economy and in Philippines-US relations. Trump has emphasized he would follow an America First policy.
Under this policy, our business process outsourcing industry will be adversely affected. So will foreign investments here.
Even American aid to the Philippines will suffer, although the United States has reiterated its solid commitment to the Philippines. Will the US abandon us?
While President Duterte says he supports the Trump presidency, only time will tell whether our fears will come to pass. One thing is sure, though: the United States cannot afford to abandon its allies in this part of the world.
I guess we just have to wait for Trump to warm his seat at the Oval Office.
