Press Release
February 2, 2009

Curb criminality rather than question records--Gordon

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today said the government must exert its efforts more on curbing criminality and maintaining a peaceful and orderly society rather than on questioning records of international organizations.

Gordon said it would be pointless for the government to question the country's record of having the most number of murders in 2004 since it came from a highly regarded and credible international organization, such as the United Nations (UN).

"We must concentrate our efforts in making sure that we improve our country's peace and order situation. That is the best way we could erase the negative record we have created," he said.

Gordon had earlier announced that the Philippines, with 3,525 homicides in 2004, has been included in the 2009 Guinness Book of World Records as the country with the highest number of murders for the latest year available in the recors of the UN.

Malacanang reacted to the world record as a piece of bad news, saying it would make a representation to the Guinness organization and clear the country's name.

However, Gordon, noting that the record is not the first negative image the country has created, said that what the government must do is to improve on its efforts in maintaining peace and order and ensuring fair and speedy justice system.

"More than the image is the sad reality that we need our law enforcement authorities to follow the rule of law and make sure that our people are protected. We can only do that if we start fixing the problem rather than fixing the blame," he said.

Gordon, who is vocal in condemning murders especially those perpetrated against individuals in the line of duty, said that aside from having the most number of murders, the nation has been branded as one of the most corrupt countries and one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.

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