Impunity is an ugly word. It is as ugly and terrible and murderous like Philippine politicians associated with it. Prominent among them are the Ampatuans of the infamous Maguindanao massacre, and their creator, Gloria, who headed the the most corrupt administration in the country's history.But what exactly is the meaning of the word that has evoked so much contempt?
Webster's dictionary defines impunity as "exemption from punishment, penalty, or harm." A synonym is immunity which is exemption from criminal prosecution or exemption from obligation imposed on others. Or a grant as witness in exchange for self-incrimination testimony. This is how people in a criminal act come under the witness protection program.
Yes, it is applied to politicians and their ilk including followers and kin who show no respect for the law and do whatever they wish to do in violation of the law, knowing they can get away with it. Even if they are hailed before the courts, the means for them to escape punishment is always there--money to pay off judges, lawyers and witnesses.
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