KIKO: ARMING OF JUDGES STOP GAP, DOES NOT SOLVE THE ASSAULT ON THE JUDICIARY
"Nakalulunos ang kundisyon ng ating mga korte, masyadong maluwag ang seguridad"

After the High Tribunal approved last week the arming of judges for their protection and security, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today criticized the action taken by the SC as it will not bring forth any solution to the problem.

"Arming of judges stop gap, does not solve the assault on the judiciary. What we need is to ensure that the respect for the rule of law in the country remains steadfast. We can realistically increase the conviction rates of our courts. Only when we punish more and punish swiftly will there be genuine respect for the rule of law and obedience to the same. Ang isa pang problema diyan nakalulunos ang kundisyon ng ating mga korte, masyadong maluwag ang seguridad," Kiko said.

Since 1999, there have been 15 judges killed the latest being Calbayog, Samar Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Roberto Navidad.

"Sa labinlimang mga huwes na napatay mula pa noong 1999 meron na bang nahatulan at nakulong? Today the battle cry of would be criminals and syndicates is 'we can get away with it anyway' and hence are emboldened to transgress the law at will. When only 2 or 3 out of ten cases end up in conviction then many are able to go scot free while only a few are punished. We must find a way to reduce the average case life from 6 years to say 2 to 3 years in the next 5 to 7 years. Ensuring the swift disposition of cases will strike fear in the hearts of would be criminals that in fact cases are resolved and the guilty punished." Kiko ended.