Second chances for the haves

Who deserves a second chance?

The recent news about the planned release of former Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez was appalling, in every sense of the word. It is an evident representation of our flawed justice system, which benefits the haves over the have-nots.

But another disheartening thing about this development were the remarks of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, that the former mayor “deserve(s) a second chance in life.”

His reaction is ironic, given the fact that he is a strong proponent of reinstituting death penalty in the country. Why does Sanchez, who was also caught with P1.5 million worth of shabu in his cell in 2010, deserve a second chance and other people do not?

Senator Bato, who won the recent 2019 elections with his tough stance on criminality and his leadership of the PNP and President Duterte’s drug war, should have known better about second chances.

Thousands have been killed, including minors, in his crusade in the name of cleansing the streets of drugs.

While police always claim that the suspects fought back, the death of someone like 3-year-old Myca Ulpina means that some will never get any more chances in life.

“Shit happens,” according to Senator Bato.

We’re hoping he reflects on what he said, because thousands have been deprived of a second chance.

ALJAN QUILATES
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila