Estrada,Arjay L.
3BSC5A
Title:
Reaction Paper on the State Policy on Human Rights and Dignity
Introduction
The 1987 Philippine Constitution affirmatively provides in Article II, Section 11
that "The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full
respect for human rights." The said section illustrates how crucial it is for the
government to ensure and advance the rights of all citizens. Human dignity refers
to the fact that every individual, irrespective of status, beliefs, or origins, should
be respected. Yet, in practice, the question is—is the State really implementing
this principle in every action that it takes?
This reaction paper will concentrate on the anti-illegal drug campaign of the
government commonly known as the "war on drugs." It will describe how this
campaign impacts the constitutional vow of human rights and dignity. It will also
examine if the techniques and results of the government indeed convey respect
for human life or are in contrast to what the Constitution is all about.
Body
1. Understanding the Constitutional Policy
The Constitution's assertion regarding human dignity and human rights is that no
individual ought to be treated unjustly or inhumanely. All the activities of the State
ought to enhance justice and humanity. It is that even though an individual
commits a crime, they remain endowed with rights that ought to be observed.
Proper adherence to the law is expected, and no one ought to be punished
without due process.
The human rights principle is not merely protecting the innocent but also
ensuring justice and compassion even to the wicked. So any government policy,
and particularly law enforcement policy, should always be respected with regard
to human life and the principle of due process.
2. The Government's Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign
The anti-drug campaign began with the purpose of purifying the nation from
illegal drugs, which ruin numerous lives and families. The intention in itself is
good since drug abuse is an appropriate issue that influences peace, order, and
the future of numerous Filipinos. Nonetheless, the issue is the approach applied
in this campaign. Accounts of extrajudicial killings, abuses of authority, and
human rights violations have triggered severe concerns locally and globally.
Thousands of suspected drug pushers and users were slain in police operations.
Most of them came from underprivileged communities. There were some who did
not receive proper investigation, and there were also cases where innocent lives
were caught in the crossfire. This action brings forth a big question: Does this
campaign really show respect for human dignity?
3. Human Dignity and the Right to Life
The right to life is the most basic human right. When the State allows or ignores
killings without due process, it directly violates this right. Respecting human
dignity means giving every person the chance to explain, to be heard, and to be
treated fairly. Even those involved in drugs should face justice through legal
procedures, not through violence.
In addition, numerous interviews with families of victims reveal deeply affected
people, not just by losing their loved ones but also because of overcrowding in
prisons, fear, and trauma. Children are orphaned, and communities live in terror
rather than peace. This is an indication of how the war on drugs has harmed
rather than safeguarded human dignity in most instances.
4. Balancing Security and Human Rights
It is within reason that the government is responsible for safeguarding citizens
against crime and drug abuse. But such protection must never be at the expense
of human rights. The State must lead by example of justice and compassion, not
brutality. A country cannot be said to be safe if its citizens live in fear of the very
state that is supposed to protect them.
The true test is achieving balance—maintaining peace and order and yet fulfilling
human rights. The State would invest more in rehabilitation, education, and
livelihood training rather than punishment alone. In doing so, it would truly exhibit
respect for human dignity as people would improve as human beings.
5. The Role of Citizens and Institutions
The duty to safeguard human rights is not solely the government's. The civil
groups, the church, schools, and the citizenry also have a role to play. Individuals
need to be vigilant, critical, and empathetic. They must voice their opposition to
violations and uphold policies that ensure justice and humanness.
When citizens stay silent, violations can continue without accountability.
Upholding human rights is a shared duty everyone must work together to make
sure that the government truly follows the spirit of the Constitution.
Conclusion
On this note, though the anti-illegal drug campaign seeks to safeguard society, it
has also stirred deep concerns over human rights and dignity. The assurance of
the Constitution in Article II, Section 11 reminds us that each person is valuable,
and the State should uphold the same value at all times. The government needs
to ensure that justice be administered lawfully, justly, and with compassion.
There is no peace and order that can be secured through violence or fear, but
through respect, understanding, and equality. The State has to always remember
that its supreme obligation is not only to enforce the law but to uphold the dignity
of all Filipinos. Only then can we claim that the government fully realizes the
ideals of the Constitution.
References:
1. 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Section 11.
[Link]
2. Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines. (n.d.). Human Rights and the
Rule of Law.
[Link]
3. Amnesty International. (2017). If You Are Poor, You Are Killed: Extrajudicial
Executions in the Philippines’ “War on Drugs.”
[Link]
4. Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). Reports on Human Rights
Violations during the Anti-Drug Campaign.
[Link]
5. Supreme Court of the Philippines. (2021). Decision on the Anti-Drug Operations
Review.
[Link]