No need for a lengthy investigation

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has fired five LTO traffic enforcers from Panglao, Bohol because of a viral video in which they were caught manhandling a rider, and one of them even threatening the rider with a knife they found in his possession. “We don’t need to drag this out any longer,” Dizon said in the vernacular.

I agree with Sec. Dizon that this incident no longer needs a lengthy investigation to see who is at fault if video already exists. Res ipsa loquitur. There are so many incidents in the past that have been caught on video that still needed an investigation. What for? So that the person at fault has time to figure out a defensive narrative? That’s what I never understood. An official tried to justify the enforcers’ actions by saying the apprehended rider uttered a comment which the enforcers did not appreciate. Something to the effect of why the enforcers only apprehend poor people. That was enough to trigger all of them. Such fragile egos. But Sec. Dizon quickly reminded them that they are there to serve the public.

When there is video clearly showing who is or are at fault, an investigation that only wastes taxpayers’ money should no longer be conducted. I can understand due process, but when overwhelming video evidence exists, due process should not take months or even years. Like the drunk rider who illegally counterflowed onto the skyway ramp and crashed head-on into a vehicle. Video of the whole incident existed at the time, and yet the driver of the vehicle in the right direction was jailed. That's why there are CCTVs, dashcams, as well as cellphone cameras to immediately capture incidents, especially if a crime has been committed.

Another issue that this incident also raised is the fragile ego of some of our persons of authority. I hate to say it, but this is so true of many in law enforcement. An official tried to justify the actions of the traffic enforcers in Bohol, but according to Dizon, they should practice maximum tolerance when carrying out their duties. There are instances where law enforcement has to act drastically, but these are only in extreme situations. Again, where are the body cameras promised so many times before?

Government officials, regardless of the agency they work for, are also civil servants. They serve the people. Sadly, many in government feel and believe that they are the ones who should be served. They are the ones who feel entitled. This is where corruption stems from. Instead of serving the public, they need to be “served.” I’m sure you know what I am alluding to. If they aren’t “served,” the service you are asking gets nowhere or to the bottom of the pile. But stroke their ego along with some “service,” then there you go. Can we fix this? I won’t hold my breath.