Justice in leadership, quo vadis?

By EJ LOPEZ

“Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society; and any eminent departure from it, under any circumstances, lies under the suspicion of being no policy at all”- Edmund Burke.

Obviously, this battle cry in many instances has been replicated and from the looks of it will continuously be observed. This situation has visibly put the nation in bad light to people who are outside and looking in. For what will be our barometer or measure of affability or at least civility without the rule of law? Should popularity supersede any form of time-honored norm that was established constitutionally?

Initially, people would rejoice with the president acting swiftly to address the problem of one of his campaign promises, rid the country of graft and corruption. He leans on a classic adage “the end justifies the means.” Of course everyone does acknowledge and appreciate the great effort of the President in accomplishing this feat, but should it start and end at a point where total disregard to the due process of law exists?

If we continue to ignore the rule of law and bank on the perceived support of the populace, then this society is no different from the “gladiators’ epoch,” where might and power is the rule and justice is non-existent. If people close to the power that be will continue to fuel insatiable remarks that satisfy their leaders’ clamor for a controlled government, then this society has not departed from the 20 years of despotic rule. Law and order is the cornerstone of a civilized and rational society. If this basic premise is continuously desecrated, then where are we headed?

The current political disorder the nation is encountering has brought back memories of the past, where one man rule prevailed with the concurrence of a “cooperative” parliament. It is quite disturbing to note that this unimaginable scenario that was never expected to ensue even during the dark days of Martial Rule has suddenly come to realization. Sad to say, this is not democratic process at work but rather a trampling of the democratic institution and process. The political maneuver and outmaneuvering which was done in haste, simply lacks the finesse of an objective and acceptable deed that will make a learned citizen accept it for what it was.

Political soundness and good logic is a pre-requisite to good economic governance. The success of any economic goal and objective should be a fitting finale to a sound political decision which presumably is just and fair. With the perceived high-handedness by which the impeachment process was arrived at, apprehensive investors and would-be investors will surely seek reprieve from a place where their rights and civil liberties are assured and protected by a government with uncompromising stand for the rule of law.

The economic growth of the country for this year, prior to current transpiration of events, has already suffered and been downgraded. Obviously, this is with due reference and credit to the government’s unfocused position and lack of priority for economic development. This column would not want to be speculative but at the rate the trend of leadership is coming, the real focus of direction is not sound economic management but imposing its political will.

Political authority and control is evident in the Presidents’ style of management which unquestionably is an incessant ingredient of a successful leadership. In the words of the President, he draws his strength from the people. But in drawing strength, should a leader deviate from what the law and constitution specifically provides? Aggravating the situation is the fact that protagonists are co-equal branches with co-equal responsibilities.

In the long-run, the society and the people they are supposed to protect become the victims of their own misdeeds. The solution they are envisioning for the good of the society using “extra judicial” measures may be realized quite harshly leaving a politically fragmented nation, emotionally injured and in frenzy.

The President inherited a strong macroeconomic fundamental with a GNP growth rate of no less 6 percent to 8 percent. An unemployment rate of around 5 percent to 6 percent and an above average foreign currency reserve. The economy has weathered the storm of the Global financial crisis of the last decade with nominal negative effect. This should have been sustained with proper focus on our economic fundamentals.

Leadership’s topmost priorities should center on the economic welfare of the nation. If we are able to address the needs of the populace in terms of economic welfare, then we begin to reap the fruit of what right and strong leadership is all about. Perception of good leadership vanishes if the people’s stomachs are empty.

There are critical systems and norms we should pursue in the conduct of our duties. If the personality we want to hold responsible for has deviated from what is morally and legally right, are we bound to prosecute even beyond “extra judicial” way, therefore at all costs? Leadership qualities bring with it a high level of poise and maturity. If offensive value becomes the basis of pursuit then we become less credible and may in instances create animosity instead of reconciliation.

(Dr. EJ Lopez is a Professor of Economics at the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Arts and Letters and Graduate School. For comments email: doc.ejlopez@gmail.com with cc to opinion@manilatimes.net)