Why jail somebody who is no danger to society?

In reference to Rina Jimenez-David’s column, “The arrogance of ‘Damaso’” (Inquirer, 1/29/13), I agree with her statement that Celdran did not attack the Catholic Church itself or its clergy. Celdran has openly admitted that he was sorry for the method he used but not for the message he pushed. I for one believe that he may have taken the wrong method, but I can totally understand his sentiments. I believe that there should be a clear line between the Church and the State.

However, the underlying question here is, has the Philippines become the land that is against freedom of expression?

What is wrong in taking things a little bit theatrically, eh? The Catholic Church threatened President Aquino with civil disobedience and excommunication because of his support for the reproductive health bill. Now that the Church has been given a taste of its threat…

However, what if, say, during your wedding reception, some random dude gatecrashes and claims that you’ve been married before, how would you feel?

I think Celdran should be sanctioned for what he did, but spending time in jail seems a bit much. A community service can be an alternative punishment for him.  It’s pointless to imprison a man who is hardly a threat to society. Judging from the netizens’ reaction, I believe the penalty meted out to Celdran is going to do more harm than good.

 —KRISHA KAMILLE SINDA,

BA Communication and Media Studies,

University of the Philippines-Visayas,

 [email protected]