Drug-Related Cases In NegOr

Thanks for the suggestion, but my current concern is not with the USA and discussions about the USA are probably best had on other forums. That said I do agree that politician creating special benefits just for themselves is questionable at best. I don't live in the Philippines so they can't kick me out, but if that's a legitimate concern of yours, that is good to know. Are you suggesting that posting stuff on this forum could get you in trouble in the Philippines? This is a Philippine focused board and I try keep my posts to applicable subjects (although I don't always succeed). I think it's a fair question to wonder why Duterte doesn't take his campaign against drugs and apply it to corruption, both are illegal. I can tell you that my relatives have been much more affected by the corruption issues than the drug issues, hence my interest in that area. Personally, its much more interesting to me hearing about corrupt politicians going to jail than about shabu users turning themselves in, but that's just me.

I was aware of the law that you mention above, but only because of the reelection of politicians that have been convicted of wrongdoing. Interesting law to say the least and maybe something Duterte could autocratically do something about, since as you suggest corrupt people have no interest in changing it. If putting bounties on people is possible, why can't corruption be addressed? I also see how it affects Filipinos as two of my relatives were recently affected by political changes in Cebu and no, they don't do drugs. My concern is for the Filipino people in general and in particular to my relatives there. Sounds like something you just said above. It is for them that I worry. Having to pay off a gov't employee to move something along a little faster is about the extent of my personal involvement. Nothing significant, as you would say.

Just so there's no ambiguity, I'm all for Duterte if he can do some straightening out. My question still stands as to why can't he go after politicians and businessmen doing illegal things with the same zest he goes after drug users. Illegal is illegal. Maybe changing the law you mention is a good first step.

 

Priorities - Probably the reason Duterte has not tackled the dirty politicians is he only has so much power here at one time, so he only has so many "gold coins" to use at a time. He is already getting a push back by the liberal segments of the media regarding his drug policies. NO politicain are protesting his speed at going after corrupt politicians.

The is a emotional system of justice here fueled by emotion, drama, overacting, and clan relationships, but there is not legal system of justice that is operating here without prejudices based on the laws. The laws on the books "look" great modeled after some of the great countries of the world, but there is not impletation... they are just window dressing. .

Then there are money issues too. Recently it was reported that government could not afford cell phone jamming devices for the national prison where the prisoners run their shabu industry. Is it money or lack of motivation, and who is lacking motivation? All the government politicians will tell how they support Duterte's drug program, along with 90% of the voters, BUT, they just do not like the speed and action he is taking. Remember most times when someone is going to be arrested here, it is printed in the media, then the police organize for the arrest, the immigration people get involved opening the back door exits of the country, then no one can find the fellow that the arrest warrant has been written for again.... The politicians are good at their craft... corruption.

 

I would agree that 75% of Filipino's know little to nothing about their own government or its laws. A recent ABS poll showed that 73% of Filipino's don't know what type of government they have.
If you run a business or do any kind of thing that involves working with the government you will get a taste of corruption and lack of knowledge about the laws.
Basically the system works on second hand rumors and hearsay about laws ( even from the people who work for the government) and bribes. Government organizations make up stuff as they go with total disregard for what is actual written law.
I good example of this is the DFA. If you have a spouse and want a passport for your spouse you go to the DFA and apply. BUT since the spouse has a foreigner as partner the DFA will refuse to issue the passport until the applicant goes to either Cebu or Manila for a seminar and get a certificate from the CSA to show to the DFA. That is a made up requirement by the DFA and is illegal. Nothing in the Laws of the Philippines gives the DFA that authority. I challenged the Iloilo DFA and reported their behavior to the DFA Manila and the DOJ. I received a letter of apology and my wife's passport was sent via courier to our house. After we moved here I discovered that the Dumaguete DFA still practices this illegal requirement and people still make two and three trips to Cebu to get the CSA stamp and certificate in their spouses passport. You do not need the CSA certificate until you are trying to leave the Philippines with your spouse. The Passport law is very clear and concise. Every Filipino is entitled to a passport unless they are a convicted felon or are under prosecution for a felony. Nothing in that law states an exception if married to a foreigner.

 

I doubt it's a huge problem, people being thrown out for interfering with the political process but I would neither attend a political rally nor donate money to a Filipino candidate's campaign so I am safe on that account. Nor will I editorialize or make public speeches. If some foreigner gets in trouble because they do those things, all I would have to say is "see ya"! I did ask people what they thought about Duterte before he got elected and all I asked told me they like him. In turn they asked me what I thought about Duterte and I just said I don't know.

 

The Philippines system of enforcing laws is a very strange system.
The PNP station in Valencia is on the corner of two very active roads. The roads are traveled by motors bikes that are by any standards in violation of many vehicle laws including lack of proper mufflers. All they would have to do is stand in front of the police station to catch them.
When I asked the Sgt. why they allow this to continue? his reply was that the PNP does not have a certification from the LTO to allow them to enforce the LTO laws. Even now while writing this it still makes me dizzy trying to make sense of how things work here. SO yes there are plenty of laws on the books but no one is allowed to enforce them.

 

Negros Oriental town mayor denies drug raps

Never ending EH?

 

Actually, if it's your job to suppress illegal drugs and you don't do it, to my mind you are as guilty as if you took money. Actually you did take money, from the people who gave you the position, they should be able to get a refund and possibly take it out of your hide also for doing a bad job and endangering the community. As for your career in politics and your family being ruined? You are a career politician? I'm sure you would be gloating if it happened to a rival of yours.

 

The wording seem to be a little confusing to me, the "certification from the LTO to allow them to enforce the LTO laws " would be clearer if maybe called; "The right to receive bribes and clan favors from enforcing or not enforcing LTO laws", or "Franchise to collect fees within a certain designated geographic areas". .
The concept of enforcing laws seem to be based on the same concept of owning the "Dunken Donuts" Shop. They are both franchises to increase one's income?
DavyL200

 

Could be a certificate of completion from the course on corruption.