Reflection Paper

With the consensus of the class, we chose the Manila City Jail where we conducted a program pursuant to the final requirement in Seminar 3 under our dear professor abovementioned. My experience in the prison not as a detainee of course but as a student was very fulfilling. Personally I did not expect that I could give such smile in their face when the class visited. It was not my first time in the City Jail because during college in San Beda, through our NSTP Class under Prof. Toribio, we got to visit there. We just donated some stuffs that time, stayed for a moment and left. However, presently, the class was able to spear head an event. We organized everything from our transportation to the jail from going home. Everyone in the class did well. I felt the support and guidance of our professor when he visited.

Our class representative assigned me as a leader of Food Committee. The class allotted Php 5,000 for food budget. I immediately asked my members to search for restaurants and caterings that could suit our budget and delicious cuisine of course. We had healthy arguments within the group because some wants to choose a food that prisoners do not usually eat. After some research and discussions, the class agreed to order food in Ambers. We were able to cater the twenty five prisoners. The excess food was given to the jail officers whom thanked us for delicious pichi-pichi and others.

2S Class joined us in the event. However, they approached us last minute. We made some orders already for 1 day to order food. Thats why, we have not had the same set of food. But its okay. Things generally went smoothly. Aside from food, part of the program was the sharing.

My partner was Camille Anne delos Reyes. We had two prisoners whom we individually asked and entertained. I was glad that the prisoner I got to talked to was fond of reading Rules of Court. Yes. He shared some rules in criminal procedure which I was amazed. As he was sharing his experience, I can see and feel the positivity. He was charged of Republic Act 9165 also known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. He said that he was framed up and not everyone in the jail committed a crime. Inside of me, I pity the man but as we went along in his story I admired how strong he was. He got five children. His wife has not visited him for a year already, seems like she had another man. Luckily, his children were all grownups and had their respective families, one reason that he should not count on his neglectful wife. His children visit him from time to time. From his personal life he shared his jail experience or how it is to live in jail. Their food was not that good he said. They can eat delicious only when San Beda and their respective families visit. They play basketball as a hobby. He was spiritually nurtured in the jail thats why I like him. He has not lost hope that he can get a new life after getting out in jail. He believes that he can start anew amidst what has transpired in the past.

They said that in order to feel what a person currently experience is to step on their shoe. I cannot imagine myself in the prison. Truth is, when I am not doing anything at home, I leave the house. I go anywhere. I cannot stay long just sitting down. Unlike in jail, everything you do is controlled by the jail officers. I wondered how that man could live up to a situation like that. To be detained in jail is traumatic. Not just that, your records and your reputation will be besmirched. But the man I met in jail, he has a strong faith that he will surpass this and God is guiding him. I cannot forget the last message of the detainee. Sana bumalik kayo and tulungan

niyo kami. Salamat. I got to say any because the deepest part of me was touched and challenged.

In addition, this jail experience helped me understand the discussion on different kinds of justice with theological and biblical basis, how we should be people of FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE through Jesus Death and Resurrection, how a human person as a moral agent and nature of human being as moral person. The topics discussed were effectively explained by Dr. J. L. Piscos. I understand its application more during our visit in the jail.

I am looking forward and positive that when I become a lawyer, I will render service to this detained people free of charge with fair treatment to those who can pay my professional fee. They are truly my inspiration as I pursue my legal studies. Also, I am grateful to our professor for the lengthy patience, conducting this kind of activities outside campus, substantial discussions and explanations in class that I was able to realize my purpose in life. That in all things, God may be glorified!