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Business community ‘appalled, dismayed’ by rule of law double standard
By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS,GMA NewsThe Philippines' biggest business groups -- along with other non-government organizations -- over the weekend expressed their disappointment with public officials who violated security and health protocols that they themselves were supposed to implement.
In a joint statement, the groups called on the administration to uphold the law for everyone, and ensure faith in the country's justice system.
"We are therefore greatly disappointed -- even appalled and dismayed -- about news reports of public officials violating with impunity the IATF and DOH protocols intended to protect public health," the statement read.
The statement was signed by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham), the Financial Executives of the Philippines (FINEX), the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), the Judicial Reform Index (JDI), the Management Association of the Philippines, and the Makati Business Club (MBC).
In March, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III visited a Makati hospital when he accompanied his pregnant wife, despite being a person under investigation for the coronavirus disease. He has since apologized for the violation.
In April, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Mocha Uson spoke before a crowd of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under quarantine in Batangas City, even as mass gatherings were prohibited under the prevailing lockdown restrictions. She claimed social distancing measures were followed.
Earlier this month, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas celebrated his birthday with numerous guests during a “mañanita.”
President Rodrigo Duterte came to the defense of Sinas
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Meanwhile, ordinary citizens across the country had been jailed for violating lockdown restrictions.
"From March 17 to April 17, almost 30,000 violators had been arrested; 6,616 underwent inquest while 23,016 cases were for filing. the number was reported to have reached nearly 41,000 by May 1," the joint statement read.
"Many of those arrested suffered detention, costs, humiliation, and inconveniences, and some endured unwarranted jailtime when unopened courts or government offices, or even limited bank branches, could not process their bail in a timely manner," it added.
The statement noted that the incidents happened even as the Supreme Court issued administrative circulars that reduced bail and allowed recognizance as among the means of releasing the accused.
Moving forward, the groups called for all government officials to demonstrate the highest standards in observing the rule of law, with the support of the private sector.
"As the country rides this tide of uncertainty, we trust that our leaders at the national and local levels, will demonstrate beyond doubt, the highest standards in observing and enforcing the rule of law, and serve as role models in discipline and moral ascendancy," the statement read.
"Upholding the law and ensuring faith in our justice system stands as the bedrock of our democracy, and will enable the economy to survive and recover from these most trying times. The sacrifice of our people deserves nothing less," it added.
As of Saturday, May 30, the Philippines had recorded 17, 224 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. This includes 3,808 recoveries and 950 deaths. — DVM, GMA News