Justice: a Pillar of Fair Society

by: Dr Laurence Mascay

​Justice is important in any society, like our country, the Philippines. It is the main thing that helps us get along with each other, solve problems, and protect our rights. Justice means being fair to everyone in a society. It involves giving people their rights and making sure everyone follows the rules. Justice tries to fix things when they go wrong, keep those who need help safe, and make sure society stays peaceful. Justice has two parts: making sure the way things are done is fair, and making sure the results are fair too.
 
In the Philippines, working toward justice involves many different things. It means trying to fix problems in the system, making sure judges are honest, and making sure everyone has the same chance to get justice. The country has some big challenges, but there have been important improvements in making the legal system better, fighting corruption, providing legal help, and supporting human rights. These efforts show that many people are committed to making the justice system fair and following the rules. Such is good news, especially for the majority of Filipinos who are less in life and look up to the fairness of the law.
 
Sadly, many Filipinos complain of injustices here and there. Wherein to them, the rich and powerful are favored and, at times, bend the law to their good while the masses are deprived of justice and experience the full force of the law for petty crimes committed. Such happenings lead some people or victims to distrust the justice system of the land, and some have even put the law in their own hands and become judges themselves. Many others, however, entrust the unfairness and injustices they have been through to the hand of God. Theodore Epp, a writer, said, “If you have been mistreated, cheated, or deceived and if your heart has been right all along, be assured that God knows this. God will eventually vindicate you.”
 
As values advocates and catalysts of change, we hope and look forward to the Philippines as a fairer and just place to live. And each one has a role to play in this noble undertaking and in advocating justice as a pillar of a fair society. Therefore, be a voice to the voiceless, never compromise your values for some valuables, do not stay silent when injustices take place before your eyes, and never take revenge as no evil act goes unpunished. The Scripture says,  “Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Justice is a pillar of a fair society, and each one of us has a role to play.