EDITORIAL - No need to display “Talibanic” approach

It seems the public attention on the sex video scandal involving a graduating university student has been diverted from the main issue. Instead of looking into who were really responsible for the proliferation of the video, the public is now divided on why the girl publicly came out and why the school immediately announced support to her.

The report on the sex video, reportedly made two years ago, found its way into the newsrooms last week and became the hottest news items, even surpassing the ongoing conflict at the Capitol. But what made the issue more divisive and intriguing was when the girl went public in seeking legal assistance.

As one of its students, the administration of the University of San Jose-Recoletos did not waste time announcing support to her. Aware that the scandal could affect the reputation of the school, USJ-R officials admitted they have already taken steps to help the woman return to her normal life.

Now many have criticized the girl for going public about her nightmare, thinking that by coming out confessing her sin, there’s no way she could redeem herself. And there are those who expressed disgust about the school’s move to help the woman, contending that she should have been long expelled for violating its regulations.

Now it’s really a shame that instead of condemning those who caused the proliferation of the sex video, it is now the woman who is being tried in the court of public opinion. She is now being persecuted, with many blaming her for her own degradation when in fact she is a victim in the first place.

It’s easy for the woman to keep mum to let the issue die a natural death, retreating into some other place to escape public mockery and bullying. But she chose to come out and admitted some lapses.  

By publicly acknowledging her guilt, the woman clearly wanted to bury her dark past in order to establish a straight path toward a bright future. And the public should give her a chance instead of condemning her and sending her to the gallows.

As for the USJ-R, its officials should even be commended for immediately coming to the woman’s rescue. The student may have put the school’s reputation at stake, but that does not eliminate the fact that it was just exercising its duty as an institution that helps shape the youth’s future.

Yes Catholic schools are known for their strict regulations. But it’s good there are few that do not display such “Talibanic” approach.