Regarding 'Give Up Tomorrow'

Saw this yesterday. Film is well-made, and it's always good to see a movie that is fighting for something. At the minimum, it's always good to witness the exposition and style and direction of attack by the filmmakers. The film is also a decent study on how Philippine Justice System is currently in disarray.

But i have misgivings:

1) In the end, this is one whole movie regarding the struggles of one person--Paco Larrañaga. There's a disclaimer near the credits saying the the focus is on Paco primarily because he represents the whole group convicted for the Chiong Murders, but why not spare 10 minutes on the other players? Perhaps a bit of time for one of the poorest in the group for greater sympathy? Or all of them are rich?

2) Devoting one documentary on one rich mestizo also brings me discomfort, when you place it side by side with say, any thing by Ditsi Carolino. Minsan Lang Sila Bata definitely deserves way more production funds, slots in our theaters, and viewers' attention than this one

3) In the streets of Cebu, Paco is known for his thuggish behavior. He has a reputation that reinforced whatever 'natural' bias (which came out the moment he was arrested) the Cebuano masses have against him. And bottomline he is now a convicted felon from RTC all the way to the Supreme Court. Anyone can read SC's decision online, one link:
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2005/jul2005/138874_75.htm, has this passage

At this juncture, it bears mentioning that this case is not the first time that Larrañaga was charged with or complained of pruriently assaulting young female students in Cebu.  Months before the abduction of Marijoy and Jackie, the parents of a certain Rochelle Virtucio, complained about Larrañaga’s attempt to snatch their young daughter and drag her in a black, stylish Honda Civic.    It happened just near the gate of Rochelle’s school, thus, showing his impudence.    We quote a portion of the transcript of stenographic notes dated September 23, 1998, thus:            “ATTY. HERMOSISIMA:            Your Honor please, this is a …. Inspector Era handed to this representation a copy of a Letter dated September 25, 1996, addressed to the Student Affairs Office, University of San Carlos,P. del Rosario Street, Cebu City, and this is signed by Leo Abayan and Alexander Virtucio and noted by Mrs. Aurora Pacho, Principal, University of San Carlos, Girls High School, and for the record, I will read the content: TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN:             We the parents and guardians of Rochelle Virtucio, a first year high school student of your University of San Carlos-Girls High School, are writing your good office about an untoward incident involving our daughter and another student of your school.             x  x  x                                                  x    x  x             That last Monday at around 5:00 PM, Rochelle and other classmates, Michelle Amadar and Keizaneth Mondejar, while on their way to get a ride home near the school campus, a black Honda Civic with five young male teenagers including the driver, suddenly stopped beside them, and simultaneously one of them, which was later identified as FRANCISCO JUAN LARRANAGA, a BSHRM I student of your school, grabbed Rochelle by her hand to try to get Rochelle to their vehicle. She resisted and got away from him. Sensing some people were watching what they were doing, they hurriedly sped away.
            We are very concerned about Rochelle’s safety. Still now, she is suffering the shock and tension that she is not supposed to experience in her young life. It is very hard for us parents to think about what she’d been through.”[16]           The presence of such complaint in the record of this case certainly does not enhance Larrañaga’s chance of securing an acquittal.

We've all gone to high school and college and familiar with these sorts. They are bullies with a dangerous combination of arrogance and libido. Mr. Larranaga is not an angel deserving pity.

4) The film's attempt to demonstrate unbiased, balanced exposition is shorthanded, we can say not evenhanded. Again, if one reads SC's decision, there are points against Paco that should have been debunked if the filmmakers intended to build a solid case. Accusing the Chiongs of covering up for a druglord (whos the one supposed to have done the killings) doesnt hold water. Any parent will attempt to fight any mafia if it's their children who are kidnapped and raped.

5) This is petty--but Paco is one of the 'blessed' at Munti who was allowed to construct his own special room, in the ranks of Rolito Go, Jalosjos, Mayor Sanchez. His family has money and clout, this movie is probably just one more demonstration of that clout and wealth.

It's known that all docus are propaganda, Im just saying there are better advocacy deserving our indignance and whatever strong emotions.

The 5-star review from Philip Dy at clickthecity was what made me see Give Up Tomorrow. He's one of the reviewers I respect today, mainly for not being involved in mainstream (and the attendendant payola system), but I think this one doesnt deserve 5. It also doesnt deserve the 200 PhP I paid for. Im now looking for a Ditsi Carolino DVD Set to show Talampunay and keepsake for the kids. It's good to keep the activist stance, but Larranaga's plight is not deserving mass activism; has no tug of sympathy if you process it more. Just leave the fight to his family.