Carabao Justice

Who I am

​

I am a social scientist who investigates crime and justice issues, specifically, state crime and political white-collar crime. I am also a lawyer and member of the Philippine Bar. After graduating from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 2000, I had a short stint as an associate of a private law firm practicing criminal and civil litigation. The experience exposed me to the myriad problems that plague the Philippine criminal justice system, such as the incompetence and misconduct of police and correctional personnel, the corruption of prosecutors and judges, and the blatant abuse of power by government officials and their families. This made me realize that  "changing the world one case at a time" is easier said than done.

 

In 2005, an opportunity to pursue graduate studies in criminal justice in the U.S. came my way. At that time, none of the Philippine universities and colleges offered criminal justice studies as a separate specialization and independent academic discipline. So I grabbed the opportunity and left law practice. After six years in graduate school, I obtained my Ph.D. in criminal justice from the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice.

 

In 2011, I joined the faculty of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies at Sonoma State University. Since then, I have pursued the study of Philippine crime and justice issues in hopes of helping in the formulation of better criminal justice policies.

 

Why carabao justice

 

The carabao (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) is a domesticated subspecies of water buffalo that is found in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it serves as the quintessential beast of burden. It is widely used as a draft and pack animal, a mode of transportation, and even a source of milk, meat, and hide. Its massive build and docile temperament make it ideal for pulling plows in the ricefields and its slow, steady gait provides a safe and comfortable ride. Because of its important role in agriculture and its ubiquity throughout the archipelago, the carabao is widely considered a national symbol of the Philippines.

 

To me, however, this gentle and noble beast represents the best and the worst of Filipinos. It reminds me of the strength of our kababayans who continue to persevere under the yoke of corruption. It reminds me of the grace and resiliency of those who find reasons to smile after experiencing the worst disasters. But like the docile carabao, we also tend to be very passive and, at times, indifferent. We tolerate the failings of our officials upon the belief that holding them accountable won’t do us much good. We overlook the inequities committed by those around us and justify it based on a warped sense of pakikisama or utang na loob. As a deposed Philippine president would say, "weather-weather lang 'yan."

 

The term “carabao justice” therefore refers to the best and the worst of the Philippine justice system. While the plodding carabao may very well symbolize our slow-moving and overburdened justice system, I like to think of it as an equally potent symbol of the strength and perseverance of those who continually work(ed) to make justice accessible to ordinary Filipinos, courageous men and women like Claro M. Recto, Jose 'Pepe' Diokno,  Lorenzo Tanada, Jovito Salonga, Conchita Carpio Morales, and Leila De Lima. This forum focuses on the challenges they face(d) as they strive(d) for a safe and just Philippine society.

 

How to contact me

 

Napoleon C. Reyes, J.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Chair

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

Sonoma State University

1801 East Cotati Avenue

Stevenson Hall, 2084K

Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609

U.S.A.

 

Phone: +1 707 664 2765

E-mail: napoleoncreyes@sonoma.edu