Impunity and the rule of law

I looked up the meaning of the word “impunity” to make sure I was clear about what it referred to, after it was used repeatedly yet again following the brazen killing last Sunday of broadcaster Juan Jumalon a.k.a. DJ Johnny Walker right in his home/radio studio in Misamis Occidental.

Impunity is the freedom from punishment, when someone has committed a punishable offense but does not fear punishment or having to face the consequences of the action; when there are no effective measures to penalize violations or when such measures are not enforced, often because of a judicial system that functions poorly.

The broadcaster’s killing happened 10 days after International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, which seems to have little meaning or effect, considering the crimes committed against journalists worldwide.

Sadly and indeed, criminals operate with impunity in this country, and not just against journalists. Just look at the recent barangay elections; how many candidates for barangay captain and kagawad were shot, ambushed, injured and killed? Each time we have an election there are sure to be shootings and deaths; we seem to have come to accept it as part of the electoral exercise. It’s seen as a positive development when the number of “election-related violent incidents” is less than in previous elections.

From “tokhang/nanlaban” to “riding-in-tandem,” from grafters and smugglers to scammers and hackers, crime in many forms and degrees runs rampant while our judicial system crawls along, precisely fostering a climate of impunity.

The best deterrent to crime in all forms – not just violent crimes but all crimes, white collar ones included – is certainty of discovery, apprehension, conviction and punishment. Impunity ends when the rule of law is sure – and swift. – Marcel R. De Dios, Parañaque City