Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday took a swipe on President Rodrigo Duterte’s style of leadership which she points out as an ineffective way of leading the people.
Robredo explained that the people should be encouraged to be involved instead of instilling fear or punishments.
She was pertaining to the suggestion of President Duterte to arm civilian anti-crime volunteers to help the police enforce the law, stressing that it opens opportunities for abuse.
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“Kasi kapag parang subject na kailangan sumunod sa order. Kapag ‘di kayo sumunod makukulong kayo o pwedeng may harm na mangyari sa inyo. Parang laging nag-o-operate tayo sa takot kapag ganyan, at para sa akin hindi effective,” Robredo said in her weekly radio show.
Robredo emphasized there are better solutions to the issues concerning of law enforcement adding that there is a high risk that arming civilian groups would lead to abuse.
She also echoed the statement of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that arming civilian groups to deter crime would resort to violations of the law.
“Masyadong delikado. Kasi parang iyong espasyo sa pang-aabuso ang laki, iyong risk ng pang-aabuso ang laki. So, iyong mga bagay na ganito hindi ‘yan basta-basta,” Robredo said.
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The vice president furthered that people are not mere beneficiaries of government projects, but partners. Hence, she’s advocating for preventive measures to solve societal problems that involves people’s participation.
“Kapag iyong tao sinasama mo mula sa umpisa mas nagiging responsable sila, mas nagkocooperate, mas nagkakaroon sila ng ownership dun sa problema,” she said.
Meanwhile, the PNP has assured CHR and the public that the purpose of arming anti-crime civilian volunteers is solely for their protection. (RA)
