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Vol. II Number 3 October, November,
December 1997
Letter to the Editors
To The Editors . . .
What happened to the two housemaids from Siquijor who were abused by their employer in
Manila is outrageous. Their case cries for justice. The question remains whether the
justice system in the Philippines can give that justice to them.
I am humbled by, and truly admire, the courage and conviction displayed by our humble
maids. Their refusal to accept the settlement offer is a true demonstration of Siquijorian
pride and honor. All their provincemates should be proud of them.
I can only hope that their courage and faith in the Philippine judicial system can be
match by the performance and commitment by those entrusted with the administration of that
system. My fear is that this case may end up the way similar cases in the past ended:
dismissed for lack of prosecution. Let us not forget that the victims can remain in Manila
only for so long. When their resources run out, they will have to return to Siquijor. What
happens when the trial comes and they do not have the means to underwrite their trip to,
and stay in, Manila for the duration of the trial? What happens if the trial is postponed
before they can complete their testimonies? We all know how easy it is to get trial
postponements in the Philippines. We can be sure that the defense strategy here will be to
drag the case on until our brave ladies can fight no more, not for lack of courage or
conviction, but simply for lack of resources. Ourageous as this scenario is, that,
unfortunately, is the réality of the Philippine justice system.
Aren't there lawyers from Siquijor practicing in Manila? Their help is surely needed.
Misses Balolong and Lumactod should know that under Philippine law they can file separate
civil actions for damages against their employers. They may consider doing this to
preserve their right to to damages in the event criminal action succumbs to power play,
influence peddling, or plain lack of means to sustain a long
prosecution. Remember that the defendant or defendants have the means to hire the best
criminal attorneys in the Philippines who know very well the limits of the victims'
resources.
If Philippine law has not changed since the last time I practiced (1985), I think Misses
Balolong and Lumactod can file their separate civil action in Siquijor, which is their
place of residence. Doing so may help them afford a long legal fight.
On another subject, may I take this opportunity to congratulate you for putting up the
Siquijor GASA-ette. It is a very good paper that serves the need of the Siquijodnons in
America, Canada, and around the world, including those in Siquijor, to communicate with
each other and know what is happening in Siquijor and their towns, and in matters of
common interest to them.
Carry on!
Marcelino C. Maxino
Tracy, California
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