Beyond De Lima acquittal and the ‘missing sabungeros’

By Reni M. Valenzuela

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King

Our country must be undergoing some kind of quiet revolution and transformation, so it seems, in view of the recent Leila De Lima acquittal, along with the other court adjudications (the laudable ones) under the present administration.

As a freelance, apolitical writer and merely concerned observer whose articles are purely voluntary, unsolicited, unpaid and Heaven-fired up; one whose unflattering, fearless opinions are products neither of favors, cupidity, stupor, vested interest, political color nor anything mean and miserly – let me say with elation that justice looks rising in the land.

Presiding Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (Branch 204) deserves a salute in the acquittal of De Lima. On the other hand, the comment of Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, referring to the acquittal, warrants a second look. He elucidated, “The rule of law has prevailed, and it just points out to us that the independence of the judiciary is a basic foundation of our democratic system.”

The remark is accurate, but sounds implying something else. Could there be disquieting drops behind those words, something that maybe only the good secretary knows?

Let the judiciary be unattached and sovereign. Stand upright, allegiant to law, truth and justice, but avoid becoming too harsh in punishing sinners via flawed/imperfect laws crafted by equally imperfect, sinful, cruel humans. Apply Solomonic prudence (with heart) – to be able to judge wisely, fairly and humanly, and so render genuine, 24-carat justice. Transcendent of “legal proceedings” and “due processes,” use discernment. Pray.

Dura lex, sed lex (the law may be harsh but it is the law) is a dictum but only for the heartless and soulless, the reason perhaps why lawyers are generally/widely seen as such. Woeful. Dear magistrates of the land: Refuse to be affected by dumb books and dumb voices from lofty seats and in the media. Ignore pundits who have nothing but callous arguments and “legal minds” that are bereft of reason and logic, and conscience – to obstruct and/or twist justice.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos must be happy that a national phenomenon seems to be occurring under his watch, “at least” in the aspect of dispensing justice which is bedrock to progress. Miraculous. Remulla has nothing to do with this. “Answered prayer,” said De Lima.

99% justice is no justice. Beyond granting bail to De Lima, set her fully free with final acquittal, including the countless other innocent souls who continue to languish in jail for no reason except that they have been victims of persecution or have no political connections or are too poor to hire lawyers/”good” lawyers, etc. But beyond freedom, let there be justice, absolute and satisfactory. Amos 5:24, Deuteronomy 16:18, Micah 6:8, 2 Corinthians 5:10,