Brothers and sisters, it’s been two weeks since the World Justice Project, an international organization encouraging the rule of law, released their report regarding two related crises the entire world is experiencing. First is the crisis of public health brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, and second is the rule of law crisis. RULE OF LAW means having a stable system in implementing laws, making it possible to hold the government and the private sector accountable, having social justice, and propagating human rights.
Unfortunately, the report also shows that by the time we ultimately need the rule of law to address this pandemic, this is when it is weakened. We can see this through four aspects—observing the power of the government, the primary rights of the people, the use of justice, and eradicating corruption.
Here in the Philippines, we remember the threats of the questionable provisions in the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” that was supposed to give additional powers to the President including ruling over private businesses and utilizing the budget. There also have been violations of human rights during the enhanced community quarantine, like the killing of a former soldier who didn’t follow ECQ protocols. Until today, there isn’t a clear case of appointing responsibility for these cases. Even the billions in funding released by the government to help in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic still hasn’t been accounted for or presented in detail.
Advocating the promotion of the rule of law is an important action for the Holy Church. The Catholic social teaching emphasizes the balance between achieving and using power, and the sovereignty of law. If there is rule of law, implementation of rules would not be based on the will of a few individuals—the President, military, or police. The policies and programs of the government should be open for public scrutiny. This is one way to make those behind wrongful and suspicious acts accountable. The rule of law relies on truth, justice, preservation of the innate dignity of man, and achieving the common good.
Like what we keep on hearing, the issue of Covid-19 is not only about health. This is also a discussion about governance. The rule of law is only one aspect of governance that we need to fix in order to conquer this pandemic. The trust and unity of the people in the fight against Covid-19 cannot be earned through sheer force and by instilling fear. Rather, it can be achieved if they trust the leaders and the institutions that implement the laws.
Brothers and sisters, let us not allow these two crises to worsen in our country. We can focus on the public health crisis if we have sensible governance and a strong rule of law. Amid the fear and chaos, may we “learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow,” as stated in the Book of Isaiah 1:17.
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