Senator Chiz Escudero

Just implement the law evenly, consistently, and without fear or favor.

This was the proposed solution of Senator Francis ‘’Chiz’’ Escudero to the break down of peace and order in Negros Oriental.

After a three-day public hearing triggered by the brazen assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Decamo, Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa, chairmen of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs committee,   concluded Wednesday April 19 that there was a ‘’reign of terror’’ in Negros Oriental where police officers were under the grip of politicians.

‘’Di pwede sa gobyerno yung may tinitingnan lang at may tinititigan (I don’t believe in government that favors one but stares at another),’ he said.

‘’I don’t believe it is the same in a lot of provinces. I am sure it was and is not true in Sorsogon,’’ according to Escudero who is a former governor of Sorsogon.

He maintained that the solution is to immediately hold accountable anyone who commits a violation of the law, as well as for Philippine National Police ( PNP) and government officials to simply not “look the other way” and effectively tolerate these shennanigans to the point that it is already “commonplace".

‘’As a final note, please bear in mind that it is the local chief executive (mayor/governor) and not the congressman who has supervisory power over the police and the only way he can be overcome or overwhelmed is if there is a higher police official (higher than the provincial director of the PNP) that is coddling or protecting such errant police officers,’’ he said.