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| Image: https://pinastify.com/raffy-tulfo-in-action-grade-2-teacher-melita-limjuco-might-face-child-abuse-case/ |
When people's advice is 'Ipa-Tulfo mo' or someone utters 'Ipapa-Tulfo Kita,' they are referring to a form of instant justice known as 'Tulfo Justice. ' This concept, popularized by the influential Anchorman Raffy Tulfo, is perceived as a means for individuals to swiftly address their grievances, often bypassing the traditional judicial process.
That would be the case for many Filipinos who would bypass due process to seek the help of an instant justice on-air; a radio show trial by publicity hosted by an influential Anchorman who has been a household name for helping thousands of oppressed Filipinos deprived of social justice and human rights.
The recent judgment of a radio show, 'Raffy Tulfo in Action,' which has gone viral and gained online outrage from Netizens, is one of the opposing sides of seeking instant justice on this popular TV show.
That episode of Tulfo's show may have gone far and damaged the accused's reputation through false justice, with the absence of judicial process on his call to action or outright judgment.
The teacher who was judged by Tulfo and favored the parents' call for the revocation of her license is a one-sided truth, but not hearing the teacher's side is the unheard version of the truth, resulting in false judgment and justice.
The parents who sought 'Tulfo Justice' may just be one of the thousands of Filipinos who believe that the Tulfo is the modern-day 'Sumbungan ng Bayan' or the 'Barangay-on-Air' and that they feel they are genuinely heard and served justice on an instant and free of cost.
Whatever happened to our Philippine justice system? The mediation and conciliation process in the Barangay or even a simple filing of a formal complaint through a Government Agency? How about filing a lawsuit to bring justice in a judicial court? Well, that could be a thing of the past. But how come?
In today's world, people may have become tired and hopeless of a 'Justice delayed is a justice denied' system, a system that is costly and causes too much stress. What could have been more effective for some is to be favored by their Idol for whatever issue they may have against someone. That 'Instant justice' mentality is enough to make them feel a winner for the justice that served them right.
However, the public humiliation the accused has suffered may not be erased in a digital footprint. It stays online even until both parties have reconciled through a mediation process. In the said case, the parents and the teacher have reconciled through the Department of Education Supervisor. The issue between parties may have ended peacefully, but the humiliation and shame may have lasted forever.
Why should all of these bother us anyway? People are now demanding a speedy trial. They want to be heard and favored for their complaints. They are looking at Tulfo as the face of the Philippine justice system—not the police complaint desk, the barangay justice system, or even the higher judicial court justice system.
Will that make our Philippine justice system obsolete? Well, one thing we can learn about the 'Tulfo Justice' is that it can shame the Philippine justice system when millions of Filipinos are already shouting out for 'Tulfo' when they seek the 'Justice and Human rights they deserve.
However, just like the loopholes in our Philippine justice system, "Tulfo Justice" must practice fairness and avoid biases, unfair judgment, and treatment, for nothing lasts forever in a corrupted system.
While the Philippine Judicial System may be losing appeal and trust, one thing is certain: 'Justice-on-Air' will continue to be the voice of the poor, the abused, and the hopeless. However, just like the loopholes in our Philippine justice system, 'Tulfo Justice' must practice fairness and avoid biases, unfair judgment, and treatment, for nothing lasts forever in a corrupted system.
© 2019 Del Cusay
