MANILA DOWNUNDER LEGAL COLUMN

WITH: OFFICER MMMMMEGO

Thanks to Jason for this contribution!

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NINETY per cent of Philippine police cannot shoot straight or clean their guns properly, according to recent firearms proficiency tests, an official said.
"Of the country's 125,000 policemen and women 90 per cent cannot shoot straight and have difficulty just taking care of their guns," National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Luis Mario General said.
Commissioner General, whose agency monitors the national police, said that of the remaining 10 per cent most of them ranked barely above the level of "novice". He said his commission would recommend to the Philippine National Police that it conducts regular marksmanship training for all its members, including the top brass.
"We will recommend to the police that they take this matter very seriously because their policemen could either be killed in the field or could shoot innocent civilians," said Commissioner General.
However, he said he could not blame the police for their failing marksmanship grades, because of the high cost of marksmanship training and especially bullets.
He also cited recent admissions by top police officials that almost 50 per cent of the national police actually have no service firearms.

MANILA DOWNUNDER LEGAL COLUMN

WITH: OFFICER MMMMMEGO

Oy humans, welcome to my column where we discuss may legal things and try to give our readers far more knowledge of whats happening in the world of legalness. If indeed, legalness is a word.

It is a terrible world out there nowdays, crimes being committed everywhere, assault, robbery, gossiping, drug dealing, tax being removed from pay, workchoices, fraud, terrorism, car sales, fictional stories being told in the Filipino community and the list goes on and on.
As a service to MD readers I have been asked to give my thoughts on topics of the day.

Today we start with 'PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE', the act of changing ones story, or leaving out important truths, in an effort to change the outcome of a trial.
This is often done by the perpetrator of a crime, or can be also used by a WITNESS who was either at the event or under the deluded idea that they should defend a friend, right or wrong.
Lets have a look at what the Australian law says.

Section 319 of the Crimes Act states:

A person who does any act, or makes any omission, intending in any way to pervert the course of justice, is liable to imprisonment for 14 years.

Yes indeedy, it is frowned upon greatly and may see one punished more than what the punishment may have been for the original crime.

Indeed it is a puuuurrrrrrfect way to find ones self with free bed and breakfast for 14 years. While an extended holiday is always great, coping it up the root canal from Bruce for 14 years possibly isn't the best of future to look forward to.

I, as an officer of the law, thus ask you to consider this.

If a friend asks you to lie in court as a witness, even if a friend for 14 years, is it worth 14 years worth of jail and the resultant record?

"Ommpphhhh ohhhh - one sec, got to go visit the little kittys litter tray room."

Back, now where was I? Oh yeah.

There are severe penalties for perverting the course of justice, always weight them up. If spending 14 years in jail is preferable than loosing a friendship, or the actual punishment for the crime, then I leave it up to you.

Until next time

Office Mmmmmego out.