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‘Presumed guilty until...’ VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 08/18/2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

‘Presumed guilty until...’

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
08/18/2011
This is not meant to censure or absolve anybody from any past and present wrongdoings — in line with the now much claimed and loudly proclaimed jingle of “Matuwid na Daan.”

This is neither the least intended to condemn or honor those families and individuals perceived as thieves and cheats on the occasion of the previously gloriously reigning government. This is merely aimed at calling attention to voices raised here and there, about the way the principles of justice are applied during this noisy opera of avowed expurgation of bad people under the baton of the present administration.

There is consecrated norm of justice that persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This rule is not only based on the fundamental rule of prudence and equity but also anchored on procedural pursuit of objective truth that precisely brings about genuine justice. Oh yes, criminals should go to jail once so proven by proper judicial inquiry. This is precisely the rationale of the nature and finality of the whole justice system. Without this, there would be but the rule of the jungle in a country.

If it were really true and actually meant; if it were a principle and not merely a convenient excuse; if it were upheld and applied to foes and friends alike, treading the straight path is but the plain dictate of ethics and elementary norm of morals. But the moment there are exceptions for whatever consideration — blood, gratitude, friendship — then the right road is in effect, neither here nor there..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110818com7.html

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