MANILA, Philippines – There is a breakdown of law and order in the country amid the spate of heinous crimes in recent weeks, according to a social scientist.
UP Professor Clarita Carlos said criminality is on the rise amid the inability of the Philippine National Police to enforce the rule of law.
“Kasawsaw sila sa tiwali so ang dami talagang dapat linisin,” said Carlos.
Carlos said there are five reasons for the upsurge in criminal incidents: widespread poverty, lack of respect for the rule of law, the proliferation of illegal drugs, the lack of discipline and the lack of hope in the future for many.
“When you have widespread poverty like that, then you also have concomitant widespread alienation. When you’re alienated, ‘yung sense of powerlessness mo, madaling pag-laruan ng ibang tao,” she said.
Carlos also said restoring law and order depends on reforming government agencies, ensuring equality in the administration of justice, providing adequate education to the youth and reviving the virtues of hard work, discipline, and respect for the truth. -- ANC