EDITORIAL - A national embarrassment

Perhaps it’s better late than never, but it’s still dismaying to learn that it took 43 years to resolve a graft case in this country. The four public officials indicted are dead, prompting the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft case against them involving P71 million in behest loans granted by the Philippine National Bank during the Marcos dictatorship.

The three private defendants, meanwhile, can still appeal their conviction and sentence of six to 10 years. Will it take another 43 years before this case is resolved with finality? By that time, Integrated Shoes Inc. executives Leticia Teodoro, Marfina Singian and Gregorio Singian would surely have joined their deceased co-accused, PNB officials Domingo Ingco, Constantino Bautista and Tomas Teodoro.

Perhaps the martial law regime prevented the early prosecution and trial of the accused. But the case should firm up the resolve of those in charge of supervising the courts to overhaul the administration of justice. The lethargic pace of Philippine justice has become a national embarrassment.

Donor countries and multilateral agencies can be tapped for aid if funding is needed; several in fact have existing aid programs for Philippine judicial reform. A number of these donors have a direct stake in seeing improvements in the administration of justice; their investors complain about the problems that arise from dealing with a weak and arbitrary justice system in the Philippines. Failure of justice also breeds impunity among criminals and inspires short cuts to law enforcement.

In reforming the justice system, those in charge need not reinvent the wheel. Templates abound and there are enough models to serve as inspiration. Many countries, including several developing economies, have efficient and credible justice systems. Potential areas of delay are resolved before a case is brought to trial. Measures are implemented to discourage dilatory tactics and sanctions imposed for deliberately protracting litigation. If other countries can do it, there’s no reason why the Philippines can’t.

source:  Philippine Star