LAST Sunday, a friend of mine shared a post on social media pertaining to a girl from Cotabato City who experienced a problem in taking the Civil Service Exam. Despite having completed all the necessary steps, her name was not on the list of examinees with an assigned classroom on the day of the examination. She expressed her frustration on Facebook, which caught my attention, then I raised the issue to the CSC National Office.
The CSC promptly took action to resolve the problem, demonstrating their dedication to addressing even seemingly minor issues. The said experience reinforces my view that the Civil Service Commission is working in the best interest of our people.
The experience reminded me that a government that functions well must observe the “Rule of Law”. This is vital in a government's functioning and its role in creating a strong and democratic government.
The concept promotes equality, the protection of human rights, and a decent life for all individuals. It highlights that public officials should act within the boundaries of the law rather than by their own arbitrary decisions. This principle holds great significance in democratic countries like the Philippines.
The Rule of Law, originating from the French expression "la Principe de Legalite," refers to a government based on laws rather than individuals. The Rule of Law, also called "the supremacy of law," emphasizes that judgments should be made based on established principles or laws.
The other side of “rule of law" is the “rule by law" in relation to the exercise and implementation of laws. While most of us are law-abiding citizens, there are those who purposely break the law. Thus, the distinction between the two concepts lies in how the law is practiced and enforced.
In “rule by law”, the governing authority considers itself to be above the law and uses its power to create and enforce laws in a way that suits its own interests, disregarding the impact on people's freedom. This concept suggests that the main objective of those in power is to control and manipulate the behavior of individuals and larger groups within a society.
By shaping laws and policies, governments aim to influence people's thoughts and actions, sometimes resorting to psychological or forceful methods to make them comply with decisions they may not willingly agree with. This approach prioritizes the authority's agenda rather than protecting the rights and freedoms of the people.
In the absence of the Rule of Law, societies can descend into anarchy, where there is no authority to enforce laws or protect individuals. This can lead to a breakdown of social order, oppression, and widespread injustice. Without a robust legal system, people may resort to violence or personal vendettas to settle disputes.
Louis Brandeis, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1916 to 1939, said, “Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy”.
Upholding the Rule of Law requires a commitment from both the government and citizens to respect and follow the law, and to hold those who violate it accountable.