Violence, authority and the business of trust

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December 11, 2025 | 12:00am

Just as the year draws to a close, another shocking case of animal cruelty has dominated headlines. The brutal killing of a dog, allegedly by a local official in Sadanga, Mountain Province, sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

News reports reveal a disturbing incident during a community gathering, where Axle — an American pitbull — was repeatedly struck with a wooden object by a man identified as a municipal official. CCTV footage circulating on social media shows the dog desperately trying to escape while the blows continued. Tragically, Axle later succumbed to the severe injuries inflicted during the attack.

While some may dismiss animal cruelty as a lesser issue compared to the human-centered ills plaguing our society, the death of Axle at the hands of someone in authority is not simply about the loss of one animal’s life — it is a betrayal of public trust.

It is frustrating and disappointing that someone entrusted to uphold the law is allegedly the very person violating it. Animal cruelty is not a trivial matter — it reflects a deeper disregard for life and compassion. Allowing such behavior to go unchecked normalizes violence and erodes the values of empathy and responsibility that should prevail, especially among public officials, whose very essence of duty is to serve.

After all, how can we trust those in power to uphold the law when they themselves inflict violence on the most vulnerable and voiceless? When authority is abused to commit cruelty, accountability must be swift and consequences harsher, not lighter.

As a society, we must recognize that our treatment of animals mirrors our soul as a nation. I have repeatedly said that a society that is cruel to animals is a broken society bereft of decency and good moral order.

This incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and consistent enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Laws are only as effective as the people entrusted to uphold them, and when those in positions of authority are implicated in such acts, it sends a chilling message that cruelty can be tolerated.

Public outrage over the death of Axle is not enough. It should be channeled into tangible action that would lead to reform and ensure accountability. What is needed is a holistic approach that addresses policy gaps, education, governance and community participation when it comes to pushing for animal welfare.

Once again, I call on our lawmakers to pass the amendments to the Animal Welfare Act with increased penalties for cruelty, especially for public officials. Second, stricter implementation of the Animal Welfare Act is a must to promote accountability and deter others from abusing animals.

Third, education must play a bigger role in advocating for animal welfare. This includes integrating responsible pet ownership in basic education curricula, information campaigns at the barangay level and training for public officials, particularly those in enforcement roles.

At its core, this issue is about morality. Killing a defenseless animal is not just a crime — it is a moral failure. When leaders engage in such acts, they send a message that cruelty is acceptable, that power excuses violence. This cannot stand.

Incidents like this do not exist in isolation, they ripple across communities and institutions, eroding trust in governance and leadership. Trust is the foundation of any society and business. When those in authority abuse power, it creates a culture of impunity that undermines compliance, ethics and sound decision-making.

For those in business, reputation is currency. Companies thrive in environments where laws are respected and values are upheld. If cruelty and disregard for accountability is normalized, it signals a breakdown in governance, which then becomes a risk factor for investors, partners and consumers alike. Ethical lapses, whether in government or corporate settings, damage credibility and can lead to dire consequences, whether financial or operational.

Animal welfare is also becoming increasingly tied to corporate social responsibility and sustainability frameworks. Businesses are expected to uphold humane practices, not only within their operations but also in the communities they serve.

Axle’s death should not just be part of the news cycle. It should serve as a wake-up call for stronger animal welfare policies in the country, not only for moral reasons but because ethical governance fosters environments where businesses can grow responsibly.

Justice for Axle must be pursued to reaffirm that cruelty has no place in our society, especially when instigated by a public official. Accountability must be swift to send a clear signal that violence in any shape or form has no place in our country.

Lastly, this incident should serve as a reminder to each one of us to value life in all forms. At the end of the day, how we treat the most vulnerable members of our society is the true measure of our humanity, and the foundation of trust that sustains both governance and business.