BENEFITS OF A JURY SYSTEM
- As provided for by Article II Sec.1 of our 1987 Constitution, the Jury System will shift sovereignty (KAPANGYARIHAN NG MAMAMAYAN or Power of the people) from the government leaders to the People. We can remove from office any official, including the president of the country, who has committed plunder or other serious crimes against the people, if and when the Trial Jurors find him guilty as charged.
- The people will be responsible for executing and enforcing the laws of the land which the present judicial system has failed to do. Law enforcement has not been possible due to our age-old tradition of “padrino system” which runs through our society from the Justices of the Supreme Court who interprets the laws of the land depending on who their “ninongs” (godfathers) are.
- It will instil the habit of judicial mind into every citizen that will prepare them to be free. The Filipinos will finally eliminate their corrupt thinking and attitude and mould the coming generations into righteous and just citizens. They will be patriotic and proud of their being Filipinos fit to be called “Maharlika”
- It teaches people equity in practice; anybody can sue or be sued by their own peers. The real meaning of equal justice for all will be enjoyed by every Filipino, be they rich or poor. Land grabbing cases will be resolved quickly. It will unite the Christians, Muslims and Ethnic groups who will judge together, as one, an accused as jurors.
- It encourages respect for court’s decisions and the idea of human rights to all. Due to our inefficient, ineffective and slow justice system, people have lost faith in the justices, the judges and the fiscals. Justice is sold to the highest bidders and the losing poor are left to fend for themselves and “Just-tiis” (grin and bear it). Vigilante killings and Extrajudicial Killings have become rampant!
- It will teach our leaders not to selfishly avoid responsibility for their own acts, without which, no political virtue is possible.
Our leaders for far too long have hidden behind judges who absolve them from any blame resulting in the emergence of political dynasties and crimes with impunity. A typical example is Maguindanao’s Ampatuan Massacre. These are but a few of the benefits of having a Jury System in our country. Most important of which is its impact on our culture and our prosperity! “Justice begets peace. And peace begets unity and prosperity for all.” The important question now is_ Do you want to be an agent for change? Or would you rather remain a bystander as the country transforms into hopefully a righteous and just one?