The Modern Inversion of Justice in the Philippines
The image of the police officer – the embodiment of law and order – has taken a beating in recent years. Gone are the days of unwavering respect; instead, cops are increasingly viewed with suspicion, distrust, and even demonization. This isn’t limited to bad actors – even good cops get caught in the crossfire.
A Crisis of Trust:
The Philippines has witnessed many events that have shaken the public’s faith in law enforcement. The 2020 shooting of unarmed civilians in Quezon City, the unresolved disappearances of activists, and persistent police brutality cast a long shadow. These incidents highlight a modern inversion of justice – the system meant to protect citizens becomes a perpetrator of violence.
This erosion of trust isn’t just about high-profile cases. The “halo effect” of bad apples means the public generalizes, assuming all cops are capable of brutality. This discourages good cops from speaking out and discourages cooperation from the public.
The Social Media Trial:
The rise of social media fuels this negativity. Isolated incidents, often lacking context, are amplified. A single, poorly shot video of a seemingly excessive police action can go viral, sparking outrage without due process. This “trial by social media” demonizes the officers involved, regardless of their intent or the complete story.
Case in Point: In 2021, a video circulated online showing a police officer apprehending a jeepney driver for reckless driving. The video, lacking full context, made the officer appear overly aggressive. The public outcry was swift and harsh. Later, news reports revealed the driver resisted arrest and even attempted to hit the officer. This crucial information, missing from the viral video, completely changes the story.
The Chilling Effect:
The fear of being demonized, even for legitimate actions, has a chilling effect on good cops. They may hesitate to intervene, fearing public backlash if their actions are misconstrued.
Case in Point: In 2022, a video emerged of a police officer in Manila politely asking street vendors to relocate due to a city ordinance. While the officer acted professionally, some online comments mocked him for “harassing” small businesses. This kind of reaction discourages officers from enforcing the law fairly, even in non-confrontational situations.
Breaking the Cycle:
Rebuilding trust requires a two-way street. The police must actively demonstrate transparency and accountability through stricter protocols, body cameras, and stronger internal investigations. The education system must equip criminology students with not just crime scene investigation but also police ethics, human rights, and community-oriented policing.
The public also has a role to play. We need to be more discerning about online information and avoid generalizations. Open communication through town hall meetings and accessible complaint mechanisms can help rebuild trust.
The road to restoring faith in the police is long and arduous. But the alternative – a society where fear and distrust reign supreme – is far worse. We must strive to empower good cops and turn the tide so that police can once again fulfill their rightful role as protectors, not predators. Only then can we achieve a true sense of justice for all.
