Decision determines our destiny

Decision determines our destiny

Written by Meg

Studying law is very interesting subject and being an aspiring lawyer before, it was just merely a dream until I realize working in a corporate world has also its own definition of law – the construction law. What appealing to me now is that, I may not be an attorney with a case but I indeed practicing, exercising the law and giving advice that is specific to my field of expertise. Integrity matters here and it accounts with a great price --- freedom; in construction, it is the freedom from liquidated damages and a right to claim what is just and true, in other words we are not only talking about monetary terms here but the built reputation we created in the society for a long time.

Recently, one of the most sought after cases I am always looking forward to be resolved is the Atio Castillo Hazing case. Finally the Court (Department of Justice) indicts 11 fratment over Atio’s hazing death. What fascinates me was the testimony of a culprit turned witness Marc Anthony Ventura as well as the loss of opportunity to be a witness by the name of John Paul Solano. Both of them were present in the crime scene. John Paul Solano (a medical student) was being called by the fratman leader Arvin Balag to resuscitate the unconscious Atio but unfortunately the victim was too critical which led him to his untimely death. 

Ventura risked his life by taking the big step as a state witness. Being a member of the fraternity, anyone can possibly kill him but the Department of Justice held him in custody under the witness protection program just to ensure his life as a witness. Unlocking the truth gives way to get justice. I thought it was Solano to step up during the trial but due to his cowardice and inconsistent testimony, his credibility weakens. The influence of his fratmen was more important and enough for him to stand not to reveal truth until Ventura himself took courage and held the light to come out in the open.

Perjury (the offense of wilfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation) and obstruction of justice were served for 11 fratmen. Now that the case has come to an end, I can say that we have the power to make change. It takes a tough decision to have one but first it will make someone miserable. You may lose your friends, brotherhood, and even your own life --- that’s a great burden too heavy to bear; nevertheless, it is still that small voice that dictates our conscience to speak up for what we believe is true and the willingness to pay the price of losing or gaining regardless of what it is, is another part of the equation.

In spite of the difficulty of the situation, we cannot twist the truth. The 11 fratmen preferred to cover-up justice but in the end justice prevailed and it also came with a cost. Ventura used the opportunity to make things right despite the risk involved. Losing some of his trusted friends/brothers is truly difficult to fathom, more so to comprehend being in the prison for life. Not only that, what about the life after death, how can someone explain his innocent after God, if God himself sees everything? Ventura valued most the chance that changed the course of his life. Fortunately, there was only a timely one chance; what if there’s no more chance, will he still make a choice? Will he still able to get his freedom back?

Relatively, isn’t it freedom expensive? I believe it’s not cheap either however, doing the right thing makes it free. The earthly court speaks up but there’s one more, we cannot escape the heavenly court where everyone is being judged. Being a witness is a responsibility too inescapable to bear and not speaking up the truth is another form of burden too heavy to carry.

On the other hand, we are all accountable to what we believe is true. Indeed, the bottom line is, we are not pleasing anyone here to believe us but by honouring the One true God who bought us with a blood of his son Jesus Christ. Isn’t it this strong enough to continue what other witnesses in the Bible have started? I am bold. I am free. I witness. =)