Courage in (High) Heels
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Much is to be said about the reluctant Judge Cortez who declined the job of handling the now celebrated Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre that cost the lives of 57 people, mostly journalists and women.
The chilling account of one man’s cold-bloodedness was supposed to be relived in this year’s most anticipated and most-watched murder case in the sala of another man.
But as it turns out, having too little courage is as dangerous as having too much of it — for the sin of omission bears about the same weight as the sin of commission.
That means, doing nothing when “you could have done something” is not a lesser offense.
But let us not be too quick to judge the judge. It is his prerogative as primarily a human being and a citizen of this country to defend the “right to life” — this time, of his own, his family and that of his staff. That was his call. That was a decision he alone had to make.
I am disappointed nevertheless that the justice system in the Philippines has been reduced to a usual institution where doing one’s job and doing it well has become a choice rather than a commitment.
I am disappointed that the terror sown in the soil of Maguindanao, fertilized and cultivated by no less than this administration and started by administrations preceding it, have succeeded at hampering the otherwise speedy delivery of justice.
I am disappointed that those who are supposed to be symbols of “courage under fire” have been reduced to symbols of our broken and degraded system — for where else can people ultimately seek justice? Who else can better serve them justified vengeance?
I would be a hypocrite if I would say that the first thought that came to me when I learned that Judge Cortez declined to take the case was sympathy. I know that I should be more sympathetic — having a family of my own and a helpless little boy for a treasure I should have joined him in his rhetoric — “What is glory without a family?”
But I prefer to keep it real and admit that yes, I was disappointed and thought to myself what a coward he is. I was even so quick to nod at Justice Devanadera’s statement that if she were Judge Cortez, she should look for another job. For what else are trial judges for? For show?
Surprisingly though, I was not to be disappointed for long. The eventual reraffle of the case and assignment to Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes (a graduate of UST) was bound to impress me and redeem the tainted reputation of the entire judiciary. As early as now, the signs show that we’re off to a good start with a gutsy woman judge expressing her assessment that personal security is not needed and says the Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre would be treated as an ordinary case.
For the Ampatuans who may possibly be charged with murder, it looks like the tables have turned. Once upon a time in November 23, 2009 the fate of feminine souls rested on their masculine hands. Now, poetic justice is upon them, for in the hands of women (Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, Senior State Prosecutor Rosanne Balauag — panel chair and State Prosecutor Anjanette Ortile), their own fate now rests.
To quote Senate Minority Leader Nene Pimentel, “Competence and integrity are good, but without courage they’re nothing.”
“Courage under fire” sure sounds good. But the way we’re seeing it, “courage in (high) heels” looks even better.
Disclaimer: This post doesn’t imply or suggest that lady judges wear high-heeled shoes. It has been used here as a mere symbol of femininity alluding to the fact that the dreaded handling of the Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre now rests in a predominantly female group of prosecutors.
Suggested Further Reading:
- Justice for Maguindanao Massacre victims
- Reliving the Maguindanao Massacre over and over again
- Gibo is on a roll. But is he getting anywhere?
- The Prodigal Son is Not Welcome
- Of Joc-Joc Bolante, Tango and Choices
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