Pubdate: Tue, 09 Aug 2016
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)
Copyright: 2016 Philippine Daily Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.inquirer.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073
Author: Julie L. Po

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL PROGRAMS TO CRUSH DRUG MENACE

THIS IS in reaction to the news item titled "VP laments lack of 
outcry vs drug killings" (Front Page, 8/5/16). It is true that the 
number (more than 800 to date) of suspected drug users and pushers 
killed has become alarming. But the "alarm" could be for different 
reasons. Some are alarmed because the number shows the magnitude of 
the drug problem in the country, while others are alarmed because 
those killed were just suspects deprived of their right to due process.

Vice President Leni Robredo should understand why there is a "lack of 
outrage." A lot of families-their number continues to grow-have 
fallen prey to the drug menace. Moreover, drug-related crimes have 
increased and have increasingly been outrageously heinous. That is 
why a lot of people would rather see druggists dead than encounter them alive.

Even the INQUIRER's ala-Pieta photo of a woman embracing a fallen 
suspected drug pusher or user (Front Page, 7/24/16) did not provoke 
enough "outrage." Its effectiveness cannot compare with the original 
Pieta, but not because of the artistry. The photo's angle is perfect, 
the lighting dramatic, and the woman's anguish real. It is more in 
the two works' underlying meanings: In Michelangelo's masterpiece the 
face of the mother is serene, even as she cradled a son who stood for 
love and justice, especially for the downtrodden.

Understandably, the argument now is "justice," meaning, suspected 
drug users and pushers should be given due process. True, every 
citizen has the right to due process. But somehow, before President 
Duterte's drive against drugs, "due process" was on slowmode, that is 
why the drug problem has turned into a terrifying, rampaging monster.

This does not mean that extrajudicial killings should continue in the 
name of the war on drugs. Shooting down the biggest drug lords will 
not automatically bring about progress.

Economic and social programs should be implemented as fervently as 
the drive against drugs so our people can become productive. Land 
reform with the necessary technical and financial support should be 
fast-tracked. Industrialization that supports propeople rural and 
urban development should be prioritized. Subsidies for education and 
health should be increased.

Hand in hand with all these, a relevant cultural program should be 
propagated-one that will instill in the general public (especially 
public servants) the love of country and concern for the community.

- -JULIE L. PO, Linangan ng Kulturang Pilipino,  ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom