An act of moral courage

“DO you think Atio will find justice?” My wife Andeng asked me that question several days ago. We were watching the evening news and she listened with sadness the latest development on the investigation of the death of UST law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.

Andeng was particularly distressed by the news item on an alleged chat over social media reportedly discovered by authorities. She was alarmed that the supposed chat indicated what she felt was a “plan” of sorts to cover up the incident and to make sure that a probe on Atio’s death would not implicate those close to the members of the chat group.

I offered the view that, regardless of how we may feel about the death of Atio, we must respect and abide by the principle of “due process.” The process, I explained, involves the adage that “a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.” True, we feel the injustice and the apparent cruelty to which Atio was subjected. Still, no one would be in a position to condemn and declare those implicated in this tragedy without a fair and speedy trial. That is a right guaranteed by the Constitution itself.

My wife explained her distress. She said she was just bothered that the very same “due process” could be used to distort the truth and let those who should answer to the law go scotfree. I replied that this is an aspect of the time-honored principle that “dura lex, sed lex.” The law may be harsh, but that is the law. Everyone is entitled to his or his “day in court.”

Last week, my wife’s spirit was lifted by a development in that particular case. She was elated that a member of the group implicated in the Atio case had reportedly stepped forward and had been placed provisionally under the Witness Protection Program. The young man had earlier executed an affidavit detailing the ordeal that Atio had apparently gone through prior to his death. His testimony, my wife opined, can make sure that those responsible for Atio’s death would be held accountable.

I had mixed feelings for the young man who reportedly stepped forward. I felt both admiration for him and fear for his safety and future. By stepping forward and giving his detailed testimony, he may have, in effect, severed his ties with his fraternal organization and with all its members. He may have given up something precious to him. He may be facing actual and serious physical danger. He may have placed the future of his profession in jeopardy.

That young man’s name is Mark Anthony Ventura.

We do not know what his intention is when he decided to disclose to authorities what he knows about Atio’s death. We do not know what inspired him to make this move. We do not know what value his testimony would have to the resolution of the case.

What we do know is that Mark’s action is what many would call “moral courage.”

Moral Courage is defined as “the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.”

There are many moral reasons for Mark to do what he just did. He also faces a myriad of possible adverse consequences. Both make the act truly a courageous one.

I believe that “moral courage” is one of the most important reasons why there are “saints.” The term “saint” has a generic meaning, particularly among Christians. It means “saved,” referring to those who “have been justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

It also has a special meaning among other Christian groups, particularly Roman Catholics. To them, a “saint” is one who has gone through the process of canonization, and was chosen in the basis of a life or deeds which reflect the ideal of a follower of Christ.

Most, if not all, of the saints we have known since childhood have been recognized for their own respective display of moral courage in their lives.

The Apostles and the early disciples of Christ faced the many adverse consequences of following him and preaching his Gospel. Among these adverse consequences were giving up their profession and livelihood, and even their mortal lives. Despite these adverse consequences, they took the courageous act of “taking up their cross and following Christ” which is the most moral of all decisions.

This coming week, our countrymen will troop to the cemeteries to remember and honor the dead.

I will honor in my prayer also the world’s “living saints” – those who take the moral high road, make courageous decisions, and accept and embrace the adverse consequences.

Moral courage, as it has often been said, has become a rare commodity. Often, the norm appears to be that of evading responsibility, negating accountability, and using one’s legal shrewdness to escape the consequences of one’s actions and decisions.

I pray that moral courage would be back in fashion and may become the “new normal”.

By the way, I join my fellow Antipoleños and Rizaleños in greeting Ka Eduardo Manalo, executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), on the celebration of his 62nd birthday on Tuesday, October 31. On this occasion, we wish him good health and pray for the continuing success of his leadership of the church founded by his grandfather, the much-revered Rizaleño, Felix Manalo.

In many ways, the great Ka Felix was, himself, a man of exemplary and sterling moral courage – a value he passed on to his successors.