The recognition of Barangay Agban, Baras, as the Second Runner-Up in the 2024 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA) for 4th to 6th class municipalities is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the community and its leaders to uphold peace and order.
This prestigious award, presented during the LTIA National Awarding Ceremony on November 7, 2024, not only acknowledges the efforts of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa but also sets a shining example for other barangays to follow. The hard work and dedication of the Lupon members, as well as the support of the entire Agban community, are truly commendable.
Mayor Paolo Teves’ heartfelt recognition of the success of Barangay Agban underscores the importance of local leadership in achieving meaningful change. By extending his congratulations to the people behind this achievement, he emphasizes the role of collaboration and unity in driving community progress. The award not only brings pride to Agban but also serves as a source of motivation for other barangays in the municipality and beyond to follow suit and strive for excellence in local governance.
This achievement is a reminder that fostering peace, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the welfare of the people are fundamental responsibilities of local government units. Barangay Agban’s success is a beacon of hope and an inspiration for all to work harder in fostering peace, order, and progress in their own communities. As they move forward, may this recognition continue to inspire them to achieve greater heights, setting the standard for others to aspire to.
Opinion: Holding Duterte Accountable – A Step Towards Justice
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Order and Safety, known as Quadcom, is taking a decisive step by conducting an inquiry into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. This legislative probe, focused on the alleged abuses and the staggering number of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his administration, is a positive contrast to the Senate’s seemingly lukewarm approach. By actively investigating, Quadcom is upholding its duty to review government actions in aid of legislation, a crucial step to ensure justice and accountability for the over 20,000 victims of alleged EJKs.
Duterte’s strategy for addressing the drug crisis disregarded the Constitution’s protections, especially regarding due process and the right to life. His statements encouraging police to eliminate criminals, often urging alleged offenders to “fight” authorities, not only failed to uphold the law but also seemed to legitimize police violence against suspected drug personalities. This approach stands at odds with the Constitution, which, under Article III, ensures protection for every citizen against abuses of government power. In a nation where capital punishment is abolished, the idea of extrajudicial killings directly defies our legal framework.
The Bill of Rights exists to protect citizens’ lives and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Duterte’s rhetoric, prioritizing the elimination of drug offenders over their rights, negates this core principle. When the former president declared that his main priority was to kill drug personalities rather than bring them to justice, he violated the spirit of our democratic principles. Respect for human rights is a fundamental part of public safety and governance; disregarding these rights has led to real harm.
This pattern of behavior allowed Duterte to act outside the bounds of the Constitution. By effectively ordering the elimination of those suspected of drug-related activities, he bypassed the judiciary entirely. Such pronouncements from the country’s highest office influenced the actions of law enforcement agencies, normalizing violence in ways that cost thousands of lives. This issue goes beyond individual cases and touches on the misuse of power at the highest levels of governance.
Duterte should be held accountable in any available legal venue to address the consequences of these actions. Legal prosecution would uphold the integrity of our democratic system by sending a strong message that no one is above the law. If the former president is indeed culpable for the atrocities committed in the name of his drug war, he must be held liable. Accountability for such acts would not only bring justice to victims and their families but also restore public confidence in the rule of law.
Respect for due process is essential for a functioning democracy. While it is critical to address the scourge of illegal drugs, we must uphold our Constitution and protect human rights in all policies and programs. As Quadcom continues its inquiry, let this be a reminder that the path to justice must always respect the very rights we aim to protect.
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