HK rights group praises, scores PNoy order on Morong 43

The order of President Benigno Aquino III to drop charges against 43 health workers arrested in February suspected of being communist rebels only showed that the Philippine prosecution system is susceptible to political control. A Hong Kong-based human rights group said it welcomed the development but “with reservations," because Aquino's order showed the Philippine prosecution system is under “political control." “The country’s prosecution system is structurally deeply political in nature. The system does not function within the rule of law, as is being publicized, but rather of rule of lords. The prosecution service is nothing but an underdog and subservient to the executive," the Asian Human Rights Commission said in a statement. “The authority of the prosecution department, on paper is based on the legality and merit of cases; but in reality performs at the behest of executive branch," the commission said.— VS/MRTGMANews.TV