Shakespeare’s line “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers’’ was stated by Dick the butcher in Henry VI Part II, Act IV, Scene II, Line 73.
Dick the butcher was a follower of the rebel Jack Cade, who thought that if he disturbed law and order, he could become king.
Shakespeare meant it as a compliment to attorneys and judges who instill justice in society.
The line is patently- ambiguous, and can be interpreted in different ways: criticism of how lawyers maintain the privilege of the wealthy and powerful; implicit praise of how lawyers stand in the way of violent mobs; and criticism of bureaucracy and perversions of the rule of law.
The ambiguity of the line was interpreted literally by riding-in-tandem gunmen, shooting a lawyer on Jan. 3, 2020 at about 8:30 in broad morning daylight just outside the front gate in his home.
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By the grace of God, Atty. Ray Moncada survived the attack but remains in a delicate condition.
Before the shooting, Atty. Moncada had been receiving death threats, not because of any controversial cases he handled, but due to a client’s land deal.
What could be the issue related to the land deal that would cause a threat to his life? What is one life’s worth? What would it take for a man to think he can play God, and decide who live or who should die?
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines condemns the attack on Atty. Moncada, and called for the swift resolution of the case: ”Attacks on lawyers, and violence in general, mock our justice system. They erode faith and confidence in the rule of law and in our government. It is for this greater reason that as IBP commends and thanks any prompt response and investigation by law enforcers, we strongly condemn the shooting of Atty. Moncada, and seek the quick identification of his assailants, their resolute prosecution, the timely resolution of the criminal case, and full punishment for the evil-doers.”
“Certain and swift accountability is the best deterrence to criminality,” the IBP added.
The shooting of Atty. Moncada illustrates the disturbing problem of riding- in-tandem shootings in our locality. Residents are shocked and left wondering, what is happening to this City of Gentle People? Is there a way to solve this spate of riding-in-tandem violence”
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It is important to remember that the community is an import pillar of the justice system.
Also, the installation of CCTVs in key locations in the City had recorded the incident outside the gate of the Moncada home — this is a big help.
The police are now gathering all evidence linked to the incident, but they need the cooperation of the general community. Request is made that all those who may have information that could help solve the crime are requested to inform authorities, your pastor, barangay officials, or any trusted person who can report it to the police.
You need not be identified, as the evidence gathered will point to the perpetrators of the crime, like pieces to a puzzle.
Calling on the community for any vital information to help the police prevent and solve the spate of gun shootings in the City.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
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