DAVAO'S ABUSIVE MAYOR

DAVAO'S ABUSIVE MAYOR

taken from Manila Times

Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City seems to have carried her concern for the poor too far. On Friday, news spread rapidly that she had punched a sheriff who was serving a court order to demolish shanties in Barangay Soliman. The first blow hit Sheriff Abe Andres on the eye. Two more punches followed that reportedly landed on his face.

By all means, elected officials should protect the public, and the poor are among the most vulnerable. But apparently, the feisty Mayor Duterte forgot that she also represents the property owner, who has rights as well. The mayor seems to have also forgotten that she swore to protect and enforce the law, which the 217 families squatting on the private property were breaking. And punching the sheriff was clearly a lawless act.

And why punish Sheriff Andres, who was merely doing his job? Mayor Duterte was quoted as saying that she wanted the sheriff to hold off for a mere two hours or so, and that she became upset after he refused.

Perhaps, Mayor Duterte should channel her passion to developing decent relocation sites for informal settlers. If anything, she should also hit her old school books. As a lawyer, she should be familiar with the brocard: the law is harsh, but it is the law.