Justice on death throes

The Congressional canvass of votes for President and Vice President is indeed important. But the live coverage of the event only provides politicians who dislike the outcome of the last elections a convenient propaganda tool to create doubts on the credibility of the results with misleading statements and inaccurate interpretation of the law under the guise of allegedly seeking the "truth" from their own point of view. If our present situation is volatile and uncertain, it is because of too much media attention on a proceeding that should have been over by now were it not for the delaying tactics of those who cannot accept impending defeat.

Buried under this undue media attention is a recent tragic event much more important and crucial to our Nation as it dealt another fatal blow to our justice system. The brutal murder in broad daylight of Judge Voltaire Antonio Rosales of the Regional Trial Court of Tanauan, Batangas should have occupied much more media mileage than the disgusting circus in Congress. The killing of Judge Rosales is evidently work- related. He died in the line of duty boldly combating heinous criminals. His death at the prime of his life with a promising career still ahead of him sends a clear signal that dispensing justice in this country without fear or favor has become too risky. It is another clear indication there is an insidious force out to nip in the bud any attempt to make our justice system work, by ridding the judiciary of young, principled, idealistic, independent minded and courageous judges who put their lives on the line

Judge Rosales has been buried. But his case should not be buried with him as in the case of six other judges who previously met the same fate. How tragic it will be if the family of a man who has dedicated his life to dispensing justice would in turn be denied that elusive justice. The recent directive to promptly solve his case and those of the other judges who were killed in the line of duty is one encouraging and favorable effect of his death. It is hoped that this directive is not only for media consumption that will be thrown into oblivion once the press is again "distracted" by other more sensational news. The police must really work relentlessly and resolutely until the perpetrators are identified and arrested. The prosecution in turn must pursue the case in court with dispatch until guilt has been established beyond reasonable doubt. And the court should try the case expeditiously without being hindered by the usual delaying tactics or succumbing to "pressure". Media attention must be sustained short of engaging in trial by publicity. All these efforts at bringing the criminals to justice must however be done within the bounds of "due process" This is possible if there is a firm determination on the part of all those involved. It is a rare opportunity to prove to hecklers and skeptics that our justice system under the due process of law, still works. It is an excellent way of honoring those who died performing their jobs faithfully in the promotion of justice and the rule of law.

But over and above solving the case of Judge Rosales and other judges who died before him with "their boots on", their killings should focus our attention on the plight of judges like them who are the "foot soldiers" manning the frontline in the battle to uphold the rule of law. Society should be more aware and appreciate the sacrifices they endure, the dangers they face, and the hard work they put out daily. This is the commitment that the widow of Judge Rosales is looking for so that "she will be the last one to suffer this kind of fate.

Instead of glamorizing and lionizing those grandstanding politicians out to grab power and pelf even at the expense of bringing the whole country down with them, the press should pay more attention to these lowly civil servants doing their jobs under the most trying conditions. They deserve more of the taxpayers money than our politicking Senators and Congressmen. Their working conditions should be improved, their inadequate compensations increased, their lives protected and the future of their families secured. They are the real heroes in public service who should merit more of our attention and concern not when they are already six feet under but when they can still make a difference in the life of our nation. It is sad to note that because of wrong priorities, particularly by the media, our society has produced more celebrities than heroes.

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