ANGELES, Michelle Ann Rose SL.

2L
Manila City Jail Exposure
Reflection Paper

A LIFE WORTH LIVING.

One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most
beautiful.
In our study of Criminal Law, we were taught about the classicist and positivist
theories from which our penal laws and our justice system are deeply rooted. The
classicist theory views the punishment of a crime as that of retribution and that
such is commensurate to ones wrong act while the latter views punishment as a
corrective mechanism that reforms the wrong doer before letting him out into
society again. Our nation has been inclined to use a mix of both in striking a
balance between commensurate punishment and reformation of the individual.
While it is relatively palatable to view those behind bars as a societal danger, it is
a sad truth in status quo that a lot of them inside those four walled cells arent
meant to bear such restraint. Yes, our justice system has continued to fail us for
generations. Jailing the innocent, freeing the guilty, letting go of the bulwarks of
justice and turning a blind eye on what is right. But is there hope amid the
rubble? In the hands of tomorrows lawmakers, justices, lawyers and people
there that hope is found.
In fulfillment of our requirements in Seminar 3, we were tasked to hold a 4 hour
exposure in Manila City Jail and immerse ourselves in the daily life of an inmate.

It wasnt something new for me, as back in our second year of college, we were
also required to perform paralegal services for the community in the same jail.
But I guess, being in law school has changed the way I appreciated the exposure
in Seminar 3.
There is indeed a great diversity that exists in the world behind bars. While there
are folk of young and old, rich and poor they are all united by one goal: the hunt
for the true essence of justice. And so the day began like any other as we went
on our way to Manila City Jail. Entering the community was tasking in itself as a
group of students really called the attention of everyone. Soon enough, they
realized, we were from San Beda College of Law and we were there for yet
another round of interactions. Our classmates had prepared not only food but
necessity kits to give away. The group of inmates given to us consisted of those
who no longer got visitors, no longer had families or even relatives.
It made me sad to think about how Christmas felt in a community where you
were so ill-treated, you were being fed what was considered as kanin-baboy to
some, and you had absolutely no visitors. Was it still a life worth living? What
other purpose did they serve then? Would you come to terms with yourself and
believe in God, still?
From what Ive learned in Seminar 3 and all my struggles and painful
experiences, no matter where you find yourself, your life is still worth living
because every breath is still an indicator of your purpose on earth. Whether it is
to be there for your family, to finally be free and start your life over or to simply be
an inspiration or a strong reminder to the more fortunate ones that life is
supposed to be treasured and so is freedom, then that life is worth living.
Imagine how many lives of law students the Manila City Jail exposure has
continued to inspire, touch and awaken. It softens even the hardest of hearts
the sight of an old man who should comfortably be sleeping in a warm bed, but is

behind bars, suffering imprisonment for something he didnt even really do. A
Christmas that is the coldest in a cell with no air, a new year that brings hopes of
release and being surrounded by family. I guess, the exposure really made me
realize everything I am blessed with and why it should be reason enough for me
to make my life worthwhile and to do all things in love.
Its to be able to appreciate freedom but not take it for granted in doing wrong. Its
being thankful for the ability to do anything because we have been blessed by
God but to exert the effort to keep astray from sin. Although I know we are of
human nature, I am sure that He knows the desire of hearts to stay pure and
remain intact with our Christian morality.
It is in my Bedan upbringing that I am proud of our humble values of prayer and
work that contribute immensely to my journey as a law student and as a
Christian. It is exerting the same amount of effort in work as we do in prayer and
in keeping our faith steadfast no matter the obstacles. I only pray that our
inmates in Manila City Jail are treated better, one day. That hopefully, what
dawns upon them is a day filled with purpose and love for circumstances that
although make them struggle, also make them better, more committed
Christians.
What touched me the most were the well wishes we received from them. Their
Christmas wishes for us was one of true selflessness Sana pumasa kayong
lahat sa Bar Exam ninyo, alam naming mabubuti kayong bata at magiging
magagaling kayong Abogado. Dasal lang at sipag.
Little did they know, their wishes for us were echoes of what it is to be truly
Bedan and for that I am honored to be called one.