Election violence, corruption expose rotten state of justice system in Philippines
PHILIPPINES: Election violence and corruption expose the rotten state
of the justice system
With the conclusion of the legislative and local elections in the
Philippines on May 14, the extent of deaths, violence and corrupt
practices that have occurred during this electoral exercise is
extremely appalling. This violent exhibition of democracy has cast
serious questions upon the capability of the government, in
particular the Philippine National Police (PNP), to execute their
duties and responsibilities to protect the lives of the people,
enforce laws and uphold order. As of May 15, the PNP reported 126
deaths from election-related violence since the beginning of the
campaign several months ago. Each of these cases demonstrates the
ugly reality of the state of law enforcement in the country.
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