Is De Lima ignorant or just incompetent?

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was quoted as follows: “Between national interest and one’s constitutional rights, which is more important? It’s certainly the interest of the state.” (“DOJ: No need for treatment overseas,” Inquirer, 11/9/11) I am not a fan, supporter, defender or what-have-you of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. I have been reading the statements of De Lima since she assumed office and, as a Philippine and US practicing lawyer, I could no longer keep silent on her ignorance, or incompetence.

The constitutional Bill of Rights was copied by the Filipinos from the American constitution and it is suggested that, before she opens her mouth on a very basic or fundamental matter or issue—i.e., which is more important or better, which prevails or is paramount, the State’s interest or an individual’s constitutional rights—De Lima should read on US history, purpose, jurisprudence and/or rationale of the Bill of Rights, and surely she will find that the Bill of Rights was included in the US constitution to protect the individual citizens from the vast and enormous resources of government, which government could definitely use to bring criminals to justice without violating the Bill of Rights.

Or is it that like many government officials, De Lima wants “shortcuts” or, worse, she doesn’t know how to use the immeasurable government resources to do her duty of prosecuting law offenders? In what school did she study law? Particularly, who taught her constitutional law? When she was the head of the Commission on Human Rights, did she obtain any conviction for human rights violation?

President Aquino, do you need a mere rubber stamp of a Cabinet secretary or one who is knowledgeable and competent to effectively assist you in governance? Just asking.

—VIC VELASQUEZ,

1729 W.24th,

Houston, Texas 77008