As a senatorial candidate, he promoted the campaign called “The law applies to all, otherwise, none at all!” Manny Santos Lim, 44, son of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, was arrested Friday along with two others while allegedly trying to sell methamphetamine hydrochloride, a banned drug popularly known as “ice” or “shabu,” reported radio station DZMM.

Mayor Lim said he had been out of touch with his son for several months and knew he had some family problems but was not aware of his involvement in drugs, the radio station said. Lim has built a reputation as a crime fighter. He congratulated the anti-drugs task force for the arrest and said that no special favors should be extended to his son. I’m proud of you Mayor.

When I first read our country’s news titled “Revillame seeks advice: How can I keep P30-M sports car?” I was impressed with the efficient work of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) (Philippine INQUIRER, 1/16/08).It seemed then that the task force was doing its work fairly well.

Lately though, while watching news on TV, I got the impression that Willie Revillame was able to talk his way out of a tight situation.

Now I am puzzled why the PASG is being denigrated when it has already demonstrated its capacity to enforce the law. Lawyers say that possession is nine-tenths of the law. The PASG said that the car had been under surveillance for 20 days. Is it conceivable for anyone to simply say say “I am not aware therefore I am innocent”?

What happened to the legal principle which states that “Ignorance of the law excuses no one (even celebrities)”?