EDITORIAL - If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

It is not exactly clear why he did it, but President Duterte has ordered the conduct of checkpoints to be terminated. He wants checkpoints henceforth to be set up only when there is a clear need to trap either criminals or contraband. This shift brings the nature of checkpoints from being a preventive measure to being an enforcement tool.

It is difficult to argue against the president, given the immeasurable information only he has the privilege to have access to. But to the general public, who thinks only in practical terms, checkpoints as a preventive measure do a lot more than just capturing or seizing criminals and contraband. In case Duterte may have missed it, the general public sees the presence of checkpoints not only as a preventive measure against crime but as an effective symbol of reassurance.

Over the past few months since the checkpoints went up, crimes have markedly gone down. This is also being aided by greater police visibility. What a great reassuring thing it is to see police patrol vehicles, lights all lit up and awhirl, patrolling streets day and night or parking themselves in some sidestreet or corner that often used to be hotbeds of crime.

Many people are now able to do again what they were no longer able to do before on account of fear of being victimized by criminals. People can now go out at night on foot for a stroll, for some fresh air, to have a late bite, to visit friends, or just for the heck of being out. And that is because many of the bad elements have been held back by the checkpoints and the greater presence of police patrols.

Not to forget, a large part of the greater feeling of safety felt by citizens is the successful ongoing aggressive drive by government against illegal drugs. Many drug-crazed criminals and individuals have been neutralized, caught, or given very serious second-thoughts. What has been started ought to be sustained instead of being curtailed.

That is why it is really a surprise for Duterte to order the termination of checkpoints. Checkpoints are perfectly legal. Even the Supreme Court had previously ruled it as constitutional. And why not? It is part of the inherent power of the state to keep order and protect its citizens. For so long as no abuses are committed in the conduct of checkpoints, they should be sustained and continued instead of terminated.

Besides, except for some minor inconveniences that are really too small a price to pay for safety and security, there have never been major complaints so far against the conduct of checkpoints. At least the general public sees this measure as a boon instead of as a bane. President Duterte may therefore need to reconsider his decision. Why end something that is going perfectly well and greatly appreciated?