I guess I will never get used to the phrase – “Only in the Philippines”, in the negative sense. It’s because I still have high hopes that things will turn 360 degrees for the betterment of my country and I’m hanging on so tight for the sake of my children’s future.ย Or, we could easily go live abroad, somewhere safer and a place where the future is brighter than what can be perceived these days.
I guess if you are a frequent reader of this blog and you know how I hate dirty politics, you can sense my exasperation. Though my efforts may be small and seems futile, I sometimes post on this blog about things I detest about my country, not to join the bandwagon but instead to at least help others understand what we are going through.
Okay, enough intro. This post is actually about another hullabaloo in the Philippine Supreme Court. There may be some of you who knew about the trial of the former Chief Justice Renato Corona and what went on during the proceedings and the washing of dirty laundries in the public eye.
We thought that that was the last of the SC controversies, but then, here comes another “closed case” that was reopened in June 2011. It’s about a case involving P360 million claim of Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation against Keppel Cebu Shipyard Inc., subsidiary of Keppel Group, a Singapore based multinational company. The decision which was in favor of Pioneer was already final and executed. Therefore, once it has been entered into the Book of Entries of Judgements, it cannot be challenged and changed.
Now, I am not a lawyer but isn’t it that once a case is closed, the decisions then are final and must be executed? So, why open itย again and change the ruling to reduce the amount to claim by Pioneer? What is happening to our judiciary system? Am I still supposed to believe that there is justice in this country?
I am truly scared and bothered of what the future holds for my children and all the future generations. If this is something that can happen, the frequent flip-flopping of decisions in the highest court, a system that rules a country, aren’t you scared enough to bail and leave your homeland? What if this happens to me or to any of my family, what will become of us? What will become of a country that has aย wishy-washy judiciary?
Care to share your valuable thoughts?
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Most of the cases filed at court have no basis in fact or law. Most of it are really harassment suits filed not for the purpose of attaining justice, but for the assuaging of a petty feeling of being snubbed or of being unappreciated and unrespected for the imagined power one holds.
If your cases is 50 percent that way, you can be sure any resolution, regardless of how legalistic it may sound, will never make sense in terms of “paglilinaw” simply because the basis of the suit was in itself never “malinaw”, at pinupwersa nlang sa larangan ng hustisya na magkaroon ng hugis ng kalinawan, just to justify its existence.
Having a high court flip flop in such a way, would be quite unsettling.
I hadn’t heard about this. How scary! I hope things will change soon.
The future is definitely going to be uncertin not just for our children but us! Its a terrible when you do not trust your government. Judgements like this go on everywhere
This is really scary when thinking about our kids futures and our grandkids futures. It is sad that there is so much corruption and flip flopping around in the justice system.
Wow! Thats scary! Hope something changes soon!
That’s why I really don’t like politics because in one way or the other they do kill people.
wow
Just like our government. Shame.
How terrible, I thought thisis what courts are for, settling and not changing a decision. For example, isn’t it called double jeopardy where you can’t convict someone of a crime once they’re proven innocent or won the case. I’m not saying that this was the same sort of case but I think you get my point.
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
Hey Lisa, yes that is sort of the same ๐
It’s true not just in the Philippines but in any system. It’s sad to see such injustice.
This is awful. Very scary for the children’s future ๐
so sad
Very sad and no way to really know which way things will go, for the better or the worse. Keep safe.
This could really help.
It’s so frustrating to see this happening. There’s so much corruption in most judiciary systems, I don’t know if that will ever change. Don’t give up hope, though!
Wow, I hadn’t heard about this either. Scary to think about though, isn’t it. :\
That is both sad and scary. Stay safe!
Scary to know that this type of problem exists, and will continue. I can say that I donโt fully trust our justice system anymore.
sad and scary
I know the feeling.I live in a country which has the same issues.Unfortunately nobody seems to care and I am left with no choice.
How scary that this is a true story.
very sad about some court cases. It doesn’t matter were you live, some courts are just wrong
I am so sorry. My country is becoming the same way. Scary and dissapointing.
Yes, I totally agree with you, “Only In The Philippines”. To when the judiciary will become a true shield of helpless Filipinos? We don’t know if that would happen.
So many countries need change. Hope things change for the good!
I am from the Philippines as well and I feel bad as you do. So what I do most of the time is to skip watching TV if political or government news is being aired.
It can happen just as well
People are losing their sense of pride and what is right and wrong, and doing things to cain more material things and power. I will leave it at that because Icould go on and on till the sun goes down
I just don’t understand why the system always focuses on the criminal’s “rights”…. What about the victims of that criminal? What of their rights? I often wonder if the system could punish the criminal by having the exact same crime done to them, would they actually think before they act? Would their be a possibility of crimes deflating?
White collar criminals usually act out of greed, so I’m quite sure they wouldn’t want the same done to them. The far more sinister criminals, such as rapest, murderers, pedi files….well, let them experience the other side of their crime & see how they feel then. Political crimes against the people…payback from each person harmed sounds good to me.
What it boils down to is that I’m truly sick of hearing about any rights being abused for the ones who have committed those/ANY crimes. The government needs to bring the focus back around to the rights of the people they’ve injured.
I did not know this was happening. It’s unsettling to think that a case that has been closed could be re-opened and tried again.
Very scary stuff for sure!
Definetly scary.
I trust that political, cultural, financial and otherwise will turn around for your country. I think it needs a 180 degree turn around. If it turns around 360 degrees, it will have come full circle back to the problems discussed above. Thanks so much for the heartfelt discussion.
Very scary
This sounds so much scarier than the Supreme Court int he US!
This is scary!! Hope things change
Unfortunately this is not unique to your country. I am scared of what the future brings for ALL the children of the world. Goverment and how it operates is something we all have to be concerned about.
when goverment and our courts are flip flopping it is very scary.. if you cant trust the people in power then its not long until the country is run on a whim of whoever. this is my fear for my country, I see it going down. it don’t seem to be for the people anymore.
very scarey thought…very sad thing
Wow very very sad. I had no idea about this until now
I hate to hear this type of issue. The world isn’t getting any nicer and our children and their children have to suffer. We just have to try to raise our kids the best we can and let them know the truth when they are at an appropriate age.
You got it right Anika. Perhaps if we raise them the right, proper and Godly way, in case they want to be in the system, they won’t turn out like them.
What a shame! Can’t even trust in the government.
I didn’t know about this. You are right, once a case is closed by the supreme court,it should forever be closed. I used to admire this administration but now it seems like it’s running on revenge instead of working to help its people.
and you are right about revenge Liz! Thanks
awful
Wow that’s crazy!
I feel for you…but have to say…this goes on everywhere. No country or system is safe from corruption, and the power of money…
I agree that it is quite disturbing.
I feel your fear and confusion with the government, I also feel the same fear and confusion with my government, I wish I lived a long time ago when our ideals were fresh and new and passionate, now it seems that those same ideals we used to hold so dear are now stale and uninteresting to alot of people. I fear it is the beginning of the end…
wow, this is really sad.
Praying for justice and your safety.
Woohoo!
Very unsettling. Hoping for change for your sakes, in a positive direction!
Seems like every country has its problems. We are not immune to problems in the US as well. I lived in the Philippines in the 70’s when Clark Air Base was still there. I was a teen then and I remember how nice the people were there. I know there was the seedy black market side but that’s everywhere I choose to remember the good side. I’m not sure if the base was a good thing for the area or not but I remember the good things and people that I encountered there. My step mother is from the PI. I have a half brother that I love desperately and hope that he learns good things about the other half of his heritage. But to me most people were really nice and just trying to make a living like everyone else in the world. I think there is just a small few that gets in office that causes problems and they too shall pass and hopefully someone good will be there again. God bless and stay strong.
Clark Air Base both did good and bad to the people there. I agree, there are only those few who seems to think they are above the law because they know they can get away with it.
srry to hear this. this is why most people move out of the country. if you have the opportunity to, you should too.
such things happen all over the world… ๐ shame to hear these kinds of things..
yes it is sad when you can’t even count on your own government to help there people out.. how sad will keep in my prayers .. @tisonlyme143
you can never loose hope…
I am with you on being scared for my kids. I think the best days are past.
Such an injustice, it is really scary that this actually goes on. It is sad for our children and grandchildren
MY hubby spent two years in Cebu. He LOVES the Philippines and we pray for the people there frequently. It sounds like the justice system there is just as corrupt as ours in here in the US. Isn’t it sad!!
I didn’t realize this could happen (the flip-flopping). No wonder you’re upset, I would be too.
It is alwful what has happen to our country. It seems everytime we turn around someone thinks if they can get over on us just alittle bit more they will try their best to get us.
Grrr…how frustrating! I too was under the impression that once a case is closed, it’s closed. I didn’t realize a ruling could be changed. Justice is so important that it is very disheartening when you hear stories like this!
nobody cares how sad
Hi Jeri. But, I must say that some people do care that’s why we are making noises so others will be aware. Thanks ๐
It is very bad when things like this is happening.
this is truly scary and disturbing. Unbelievable.
justice system run on our money..they dont understand closed
That is terrible!
How sad and dissapointing…I do not what else to say. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
This is a pretty scary thought!! I have a 2year old granddaughter and this is very unsettling!!
Wow…this is so sad. I hope some law or something gets passed to stop this nonsense.
this is crazy.it’s a shame that citizens can’t trust their legal systems anymore.
I try not to follow politics too much as I really don’t understand it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
hopefully things will take a turn for the better, sooner than later.
I think they should abide by what they ruled to begin with
Dirty politics leaves me leary to traveling outside the U.S….. sad that we can not travel for leisure to beautiful areas of the world due to fear of the unknown judicial proceedings.
very scary and sad
That is horrible. They do that in the us to but in a different way and create laws to make it justifiable in their favor.
Wow. I hope the system is improved. I am not from your country but from what you explained it does seem that once a case its closed that is supposed to be it. I will hope that this and future administrations will not be wishy-washy for the sake of your country and children.
THINGS NEED TO GET BETTER FOR THE FURTURE-LIKE REAL SOON
I feel your pain. But, don’t come to the US as it’s just as if not more corrupt here too. I would bet there is a lot of money involved, brings the vultures out of their caves.
I feel that all governments are corrupt evil entities.
It is truly saddening to think that your justice system has progressed to the point of indifference. From your article, it sounds like you have totally lost all faith in the justice system, and when this happens there isn’t much hope for the future of the country. While this particular case is just one instance, it is precedence for what might happen in future litigation cases.
Waiting and hoping for reform is so difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your country.
as a father, i’m scared of the world i’m bringing up my boys in. it just all seems to be getting crazier and crazier!
Unfortunately I hate anything that has to do with politics. Every country has their problems and all we can do is hope that the people realize how it will effect everyone in the long run. Write, email, call your country’s politicians and tell them how you feel and get everyone else to do the same and hope it turns out the way you want.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always turn out the way we want and we have to learn to cope, which no one wants to do.
Hoping it turns out to be a positive impact for you all!
Linda
interesting, thanks.
Yes, it is frightening what power can do.
at least the US isn’t the only place that makes me shake my head!
This is indeed alarming. With such a responsibility towards the people, the integrity and credibility of the people sitting in the Supreme Court should be unquestionable.
i don’t want to sound ignorant and cliche but money is the root of all evil. just sayin’.
Very sad that this is happening
This is so sad I hope things will get better!
I hadn’t heard about this. It’s really sad but I think I will never lose hope in our country. I always pray for the better.
I’m wondering if new information was found and that is why? Irregardless, you’re right, it is a wishy-washy way to judge! Good luck with everything and know you’re not alone.
I agree with you, once a ruling has been made, that should be final!
wow!!!scary!!!!!
How unsettling. With time comes change- hopefully for the better. Keep safe!
Shocking event.
The future is super scary. Not only for our children but us! Tomorrow makes me scared!
Hope everything works out for you. We just can’t seem to catch a break in this messed up world.
yes i think government goes too far sometimes and they are not always correct or truthful.
It is so awful to hear of things like this in this day and age. Why? The more power a person or government has the more they want. So unjust and frightening. One can only hope if they are not punished on Earth that our Higher Power will make them pay on Judgement Day.
I hadn’t heard about this, and I am truly scared for what our future holds, or what our children’s future holds, all I know is that we need a change!
I feel the very same way – well said!
This sort of thing isn’t suppose to happen,that why we have double jeopardy so this doesn’t happen.I feel for you and your children.Hope everything works out for you.
the Supreme Court’s process of re-opening a case that has been long decided + settled really baffles me. i guess someone has to brush up on their knowledge of the definition of the word “final + executory”
wow props to you for keeping up with your countrie’s politics and also voicing your opinion. This is the best way to start a change! Sorry to hear this is going on but here where I live it happens a lot too.
Some of that is going on in the US as well. I’ll tell you what would happen…something we call “Marshall Law”, where the people form militia groups and retaliate against the government. I hope we never have to do that, but if we do my husband and I will be joining the fight for our country…we don’t think we’d want to move – but that depends on how bad it got here.
personally I dont trust our government. If given the chance, Id rather live in other countries than here in the Philippines. Too much corruption, too much violence.
That’s awful. Corruption is government and our justice system is so rampant, it’s sickening!
it’s not fair when court orders get changed and those that were already suffering suffer further
I always thought that if a case was closed, it could not be opened again. And especially not after such a long time.
It is unsettling to have rules in the system that some are able to twist and distort for his/her own way of thinking and neglect the fact of future consequences, Thanks for your post.
I don’t know anything about politics or law in your country, but politics seem to be the same the world over. In other words- a mess.
Things are not much different here in the USA- I belong to a group of quiet preppers who are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst: Our government is dysfunctional, they spend taxpayers money with total disregard for future generations who will be forced to repay the national debt.
I hadn’t heard about this yet. That really is scary… Especially when you think about the future.
this is so scary hate to hear it
I am not familiar with the laws and the justice system in your country, but this seems wrong to me. It is not the same situation at all, but my son was born with special needs and serious health issues. The state I live in has very little resources for people with his condition, so we are considering moving to another state right now. I know how hard it is to have to think about moving away from everything you know for a chance at a better life for your children. Prayers for you and your family!
had never heard โOnly in the Philippinesโ
I wasn’t aware of this trial. It is so wrong that they reopened the case for no reason and changed the ruling. This is a great example of why I don’t trust politicians.
Very scary!
First of all, good for you for being pro-active and actually caring to educate yourself on these issues and their implications on the future.
However, there may also be a good side to this kind of “flip-floppy” justice system. Of course you will have individuals and even groups who may take advantage in many ways, but the justice system can not be infallible..as men are not infallible, so an institution run by us cannot be either. Indeed there should be an option for cases to be re-opened. We cannot deny that innocent people have and are being convicted of crimes they did not commit..this may happen more than we would like to think. Therefore..new evidences among many other things should be allowed to come back to the courtroom. Of course, as with anything else, this will be abused by some with selfish motives and less that decent intentions.
All you can do, is teach your children the importance of ethics..and that they will encounter people and situations that go against them but that they should hold fast to what is right. Not for ambition of reward or fear of hell..but just for the sake that it is right and true.
Best of luck to you and your family out there, there is much more good in the world than there is evil. ๐
Wow.that’s scary!
I had no idea about this at all. It’s so disheartening, but that’s politics.
I hope things get better for you and your children.
I have a lot of friends from there and I have some idea of what youre discussing here!
Wow! this is very interesting! corruption appears in all levels of the justice system
Very sad, and not limited to one part of the world – dirty politics seems to be the norm these days.
I have been shocked by everything that is happening and dread the direction our country is moving in. It has been developing slowly for many years now. THis was a great read. THanks for sharing.
Scary!!
now that is scary! :/
shame of them!!!! taas panaman pinag aralan nila ๐
aww.. i hope there will be CHANGES ๐
i believe this is everywhere each country or state or small town .. i also have taught my children as they have grown to be respectfel but not to trust our govt or any when it comes to matters like this
It would seem that big businesses overrule governmental policies and systems more and more in every country. A closed case should stay closed, no matter who was involved. I’m sorry that you are going through this, and hope that other countries can keep their judicial systems free of such abuses.