Cartoon by: James Gamboa
Published by: Michelle Piquero
Date Published: March 24, 2025
Time Published: 5:55 PM
Arguably law enforcement purports to be the pillar of justice and order, unfortunately individuals in positions of prominence often wield their influence rather than preserving the notion of equitable treatment and justice. The Philippines constitutes a single nation where people are often given greater chances to misuse their position rather than ensuring public safety. The perilous abuse of authority not only violates a person's fundamental rights but also reflects the current state of the Philippine judicial system. Apart from the corrupt legal system and fraudulent mandates, the matter additionally stems from the mentality of those who implement and execute themโprone to speculating and struggling to fathom the actual grievances of the populace. Thus, how can the ability to protect be truly measured, if every individual who is given power cannot separate their duty from their prejudices?
A video that went viral on February 28, 2025, highlighted the dubious way in which personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) apprehended a man in the Province of Bohol. In the course of a law enforcement operation, the LTO enforcer "arrested" the man whilst he bruised his motorcycle. [1] The particular incident is exceedingly ludicrous but also blatantly humiliating in the Philippines, where farming is a significant occupation and an important part of society. The mere fact that a farmer is carrying a knifeโa crucial equipment for his jobโno longer rationalizes denigrating him. The persistent failure of enforcers to fulfill their responsibilities has been demonstrated by the numerous instances of unethical behavior and malpractices throughout Philippine history, including the incident between an LTO enforcer and a farmer. A particular aspect ought to be addressed in a single incident: Was the officer genuinely concerned about successfully carrying out his responsibilities adequately, or is this just another instance of prejudice against individuals of the working class?
One enforcer was captured threatening the unfortunate farmer with the knife while holding him down, whereas he was lying on top of a motorcycle in an avidly shared video. The man kept saying, โFarmer ako, Sir (I am a farmer),โ while being pulled to the ground [2]. The unsettling, widely shared video of an enforcer coercing a helpless farmer who kept pleading, "Farmer po ako, Sir," is an unambiguous illustration of how countless individuals in our society misuse their position of prominence. On top of constituting an act of slaughter by the enforcer, this particular incident also reflects the hideous visage of the Philippine legal system. It is to believe that compliance with the law, not inciting violence, is the mere responsibility of an enforcer. The enforcer ought to halt in light of the persistent cries and pleading of "Farmer ako, Sir (I am a farmer)." Considering that the farmer has not fought and rebelled, the justification that the enforcer is simply carrying out his contractual responsibilities appropriately is no longer admissible.
Numerous individuals have been seriously disrupted by the incident since it demonstrates exactly what kind of defender our society has for the downtrodden. In lieu of being given out to do degradation, the badge is indicative of a strong sense of duty and respect for human dignity. A farmer and a law enforcement officer's encounter just serves to highlight the insufficient training of LTO enforcers. Since, an individual who enforces the law ought to understand how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violenceโin the event that they fail to uphold the values of their position, what really is their title in the society?
The implementation of traffic regulations in our society is on the shoulders of those who are regarded as law enforcement; nevertheless, the power and authority granted to them must not be used as a means of harming and demeaning other individuals. The enforcer's dubious actions are only an example of how socioeconomic inequality persists across various levels of government and departments. The encounter between a farmer and an LTO enforcer only serves to highlight how helpless the populace is at the whim of a powerful monarch. If the government persists in disregarding these dubious actions of the authority the Philippines' system would persist dysfunctional. It is time for reforms that prioritize fair, just, and transparent law enforcementโone that truly serves the people rather than intimidates them.
REFERENCES:
[1] Sereno, N. (2025, February 28). LTO workers questioned for manner in apprehending man. GMA Regional TV. https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/106844/lto-workers-questioned-for-manner-in-apprehending-man-in-bohol/story/
[2] Sampang, D. (nd). DOTr chief orders suspension of LTO personnel involved in viral Bohol video. Inquirer Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2039473/dotr-chief-orders-suspension-of-lto-personnel-involved-in-viral-bohol-video
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