|
Monday, June 26, 2006
Mongaya: Death penalty
By Anol Mongaya
PRESIDENT Arroyo has finally trashed the death penalty. Convicts like Josman and Paco can now heave a long sigh of relief. But not the poor inmates in Cebu City who have to deal with faulty wiring and the inspired vigilantes who only hit without any warning (unlike the ones in Davao) those who can’t hit back.
With due respects to death penalty proponents, I don’t think GMA’s decision will lead to an increase in crime as well as vigilante killings. Crime incidents had been increasing annually despite the death penalty. Cebu City’s vigilantes also debuted while death penalty was in full force.
On the other hand, there is a lot to be done if we want our jails to be truly rehabilitation centers. As of the moment, our jails only harden first time criminals.
After scoring big in its anti-death penalty advocacy, the Catholic Church should not merely sit back and be contented. It should move on more actively into resolving social issues long identified as among the causes of crime.
***
Fr. Jose Belciña probably thought he could get off the hook by proving sex with his scholar was consensual. But the girl was still a minor. He inadvertently fell into the sex abuse trap.
This is food for thought for those who like taking out minors whether from casas and bars or having them as text and chat mates. You can be liable for child abuse too.
***
In the Subic rape case, the defense is crowing loudly about the absence of semen in the condom presented as evidence. I am only a layman but I don’t think no rape happened if the guy did not reach orgasm. We all know that the few seconds we call climax could only happen after long minutes (some machos claim they could last an hour) of stimulating penetrating action. Perhaps, the GI had too much alcohol or his chickened out because of all the heckling inside the van.
Sayang, GMA abolished the death penalty. It would have been interesting if the GIs are convicted.
They have nothing to fear from local vigilantes if they stay in Cebu City. Local anti-crime assassins specialize in eliminating poor, defenseless folks.
***
Globe Telecom recently met beneficiaries of its Bridging Communities or Bridge-com program. Addressing the needs of communities where Globe facilities are located is a brilliant idea. This makes the communities stakeholders in the continued operation of such facilities as cell sites.
GMA’s all out war against the communist rebels places Globe cell sites in the countryside in the line of fire because of the company’s policy of not paying revolutionary tax. Perhaps, this Bridgecom initiative will do wonders in ensuring that we won’t lose our Globe signal.
With the government’s pressure on companies not to pay anymore the revolutionary tax, the rebels will most likely begin to consider the cell sites of other telcos as targets. Meanwhile, affected businessmen are asking if the AFP has the capability to prevent attacks on their facilities.
***
Beleaguered Provincial Board Members Vic Maambong and Antonio Almirante should invoke the political support Gen. Edelberto Yap is getting from Capitol officials. We all know that Yap is not qualified but he continues to stay on as MCIAA manager to be able to torment those who possess the qualifications.
(superbalita@sunstar.com.ph or anol.blogs.friendster.com/anols_blog)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 26, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
