Equality Before The Law

The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines in its Bill of Rights under “equal protection of the law” states the “right of all persons to have the same access to the law and courts, and to be treated equally by the law and courts, both in procedures and in the substance of the law.” This “equal protection of the law” clause is against undue favor and individual or class privilege, as well as hostile discrimination or the oppression of inequality. This is one of the fundamental principles of the Constitution. It guarantees that those “similarly situated will be dealt equally by the Government and by law.” It clearly provides that the law should apply to all people equally regardless of their status in society-rich or poor, young or old. There is a problem, however, when the rich and the privileged feel that they are above the law and they do not feel its weight upon their shoulders, and are therefore freed from facing the consequences of their acts.

This is undoubtedly the case of this ongoing battle to arrest doomsday preacher and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, who has been the subject of two warrants of arrest by courts in Davao City and Pasig City, aside from the arrest orders already served by the Senate, National Bureau of investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for alleged cases of sexual abuse and human trafficking. In a 30-minute video recording of his own Sonshine Media Network International SMNI), Quiboloy even has audaciously imposed the terms and conditions for his surrender to authorities.

Yet another fugitive who seems to be bold enough to elude surrender is former Bureau of Corrections Chief Gerald Bantag, wanted for murder in connection with the death of radio broadcaster and journalist Percival Lapid Mabasa. Not only are these citizens of the Republic subject to the law, they are also equally answerable for their actions under such law.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

“The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.”

― Aristotle

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;

The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether”

- Psalm 119:1