Alliance-Philippines

December 21, 2010

On the Supreme Court decision on the Visconde Massacre Case

The Alliance-Philippines send its deepest sympathy and outrage to Mr. Lauro Vizconde and his relatives and friends for the grave injustice perpetrated by the highest court of the land- the Philippine Supreme Court on its decision overturning the Court of Appeals and the lower court on the Visconde Massacre case.

As an analysts put it: “The Supreme Court have killed Mr. Lauro Visconde twice.”

It reminded us when the United States Supreme Court in 2001 decided in favor of GOP George Bush against Al Gore in the election recount case in Florida that made the presidency of George W. Bush Jr. from 2001-2009.

No matter the rationalization of the Supreme Court to soften the blow of the decision “that the decision did not declare the criminals not innocent of the crimes’, they cannot veer away from fact it they have destroyed the pillars of the Philippine justice system. And as the US Supreme Court did, made itself a target of political attacks.

A Bad Precedent

It is not a secret to everybody that the justice system in the Philippines is the best in the world because it can be bought for a price. At least in the United States, the Supreme Court decides on political considerations. popular clamor and have a semblance of independence.

In the case of the US Supreme Court, they decided an electoral case. On the case of the Philippine Supreme Court they decided on an emotionally charged criminal case that involves violence against women and children and they set a bad precedent.

And that can be said of the Philippine Supreme always a hostage to the powers that be. During the time 14 year rule of Ferdinand Marcos, it was known to be a Marcos Court and the Chief Justice the bearer of the parasol for the first lady Imelda Marcos.

Thus the Supreme Court was reorganized after the EDSA revolution of 1986. Now the GMA-appointed Supreme Court is wracked with controversies and is the epitome of the grave injustices in the Philippines.

No wonder victims of the Maguindanao Massacre of 2009 is deeply worried about their case. If a case that was decided 20 years ago can be overturned in a stroke of a pen, how much more when the powerful clans like the Ampatuan can mobilize their money and power?

The Alliance can dare to say; “ No Justice No Peace!”

Arturo P. Garcia

AJLPP West Coast

December 21, 2010