Government officials should be addressed as Public servants, as they are fundamentally. In a democratic setup such as our's, public servants are elected to represent the people. The switch in terminology somehow dethrones the officials who think themselves kings over the people. Well apparently, some go beyond royalty and claim divinity--asseting mortal and, in turn, moral superiority as they claim lives in a whim.
There are those behind the Maguindanao massacre.
Massacre, in every sense of the word
As of count, 54 bodies have been found in in Shariff Aguak, Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The discovery was precedented by the murder of the Mangudadatu convoy, a clan whose member plans to run against incumbent mayor Andal Ampatuan.
On the way to file a COC for Esmail Mangudadatu, his wife, relatives, and members of the media were intercepted by armed men. The convoy is slaughtered in an off-road hill, while a backhoe dug a mass grave where their bodies will later be dumped. The backhoe bears the name of municipal gov't of Ampatuan. The armed men flee as the Philippine Army approached, leaving some bodies sprawled on the ground.
The women were found to be raped and mutilated before being murdered. Later, other cars would be found in the mass grave along with decomposing bodies, proving that this massacre isn't the first of its kind in Maguindanao.
Untouchables
Who keeps democracy, democracy
Hours before, Mayor Ampatuan was brought into NBI. The Justice Secretary said the case shall be concluded in 36 hours. This, after broadcasting networks have put up countdowns until justice has been served.
Now the world has deemed the Philippines the most dangerous place for journalists, as we are also known to have the most liberated one. Philippine media has served as more than just the watchdog it's supposed to be, it has delivered for its people more than the government has. The Mangudadatu's asked media to accompany them in the filing of COC for protection, National authorities gave significant attention and efforts in the grave site after journalists complained of its slow pace, now it serves as the catalyst for the justice system.
In a country where the media is more of a representative of the people than "public servants", the fourth estate democratizes a country demoralized and abused by the other estates for what it is.
