"Preferably iced tea please"

"Air condition and a pitcher of cold drink, preferably iced tea please. Thank you darling." It is a request you would hear from the rich and famous asking their hired help for amenities, not from convicted and detainees in a maximum facility prison. Alas, this is the Philippines, and prisoner or not, legislators seem to think they deserve only the best of the best no matter what.

Senator Miriam, I commend you, truly and honestly for your efforts in the "No frills bill". It basically states that there shall be no preferential or special treatment for VIP inmates. I agree with your advocacy and standard of outlook in the laws. However, no good intention comes unwarranted, especially when you're a politician in the Philippines.

If this bill ever gets passed, this will yet be another law providing clearer policies and guidelines for Filipinos regarding political affairs. This bill adheres to the standard that "the law is harsh but it is the law." But if this bill does get passed into a law, what does that say about the rest of the Filipino society? Are the current laws not clear enough, particularly the constitution and the rules on criminal procedure, and our criminal laws, regarding the matters of improsonment and the rights and obligations of prisoners? 

I should like to think that with all the general and special laws surrounding the matter, that there should be no issue on this. And yet here we are, reading news articles showing how obtuse and self regarded these politicians are. Should it not already be clear to all that how the law works? Apparently not so. What does it say then about The Filipino judicial and legislative systems that we still need such a legislation just to show us what is already embedded in the constitution?

Intriguing, yet not so material. Depressing, no?

Think about it. But in all honesty, I do admire Senator Miriam for her courage, strength and advocacy on the matter. If only all legislators were as educated and strong as she. The possibility of future legislators being like her is exciting. Then again, if the current ones live long, the future seems like it will be just as glib as it is now.

Kudos Senator Miriam! I hope for the best outcome in this endeavor.

But if you ask me? I suggest a bill passing the establishment of a new maximum facility prison in the middle of an offshore island in the west Philippine sea, preferably close to Spratlys, exclusively for the VIP. Now I think they would prefer that better, don't you?

Most enticed,

Czarina

P.S.

Here is a link to an article by Rappler on how our legislators seem to think they are gods on earth who deserve nothing but the best from the worst: 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/61198-miriam-no-vip-treatment-inmates-senators

Enjoy! Oh and do be careful and watch your blood pressure while reading their requests.