Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff

If you haven’t read UN rapporteur Phillip Alston’s report yet, head on over to MLQ3’s blog, he’s posted a PDF copy. Of particular interest is paragraph 12, page 5:

The Secretary of Justice, and his colleagues, were perplexed at the proposition that prosecutors, whose role is absolutely central in the Philippines justice system, had some broader responsibility to take steps to uphold respect for human rights. Instead, their role was seen as a passive one.

Alston also took notice of the military’s “order of battle” against hundreds of groups and individuals who have been classified, on the basis of intelligence, as members of organizations which the military deems “illegitimate”, and finally noting that:

When a significant number of individuals killed in incidents implicating the armed forces or police are also listed on an order of battle, it raises serious questions about the appropriateness of this practice.

[...]

There is a passivity, bordering on an abdication of responsibility, which affects the way in which key institutions and actors approach their responsibilities in relation to such human rights concerns.

Indeed.

Basically, what Alston stated in his report reaffirms at least two things a lot of people have been saying all along: One, that Raul Gonzales is a clueless twit, and that the government, whether by design or inaction, has been remiss in putting an end to the extra-judicial killings of leftists, activists and journalists.

And like the spoiled brat that he is, Gonzales lashed out in typical fashion, calling Alston tarantado, which GMANews.tv translated as “jerk”; Bro. Ely once translated it as “fool”. Gonzales defended the practice of issuing orders of battle, saying the order of battle is a plan made by a normal government to protect itself from its enemies.

Mr. “Justice” Secretary, you’re the fool. Because all this time, you’ve been treating the very people that you should be serving as the enemy. Look back: why did Luis Taruc and the Hucs take to the hills in the first place? Largely because they were denied the chance to participate in the parliamentary process. Why are many activists and leftists taking to the hills now? Because of the kind of mentality you and your tyrannical boss possess, denying them their right to participate democratically.

Actually, I take it back. You’re not a fool That’s an insult to fools everywhere. You’re something else entirely.