Respect for consent

A video of a pharmacist working at one of the superstores in Cebu made rounds in social media. A female customer was engaged in a heated conversation with him. In the video, she insisted on getting her medicine. The pharmacist was quick to point out that her requested drug with generic name "Irbesartan" required a prescription. She argued that in other pharmacies, she is able to purchase without showing a prescription. This all took place while placing the identity of the pharmacist at risk. At one point in the video, the pharmacist already said "Nagvivideo na si Ma'am (Ma'am is already taking a video)," which is an indication that there was no consent in the filming of the now-deleted video.

Many individuals showed their support for the pharmacist. The Cebu Medical Society even stood by the rules. Medications labeled with "Rx" must be dispensed only upon presentation of a prescription. In fact, they are urging doctors to make sure their handwriting is clear and legible. One cannot just get a drug without orders from the doctor. Despite that, I still do feel sympathy towards the pharmacist in the video. Here is a person doing his job but was subject to public scrutiny.

There was no choice for him while he was being filmed. Sure, the female customer could argue about her rights to expression and free speech. However, the right to privacy also exists. In fact, private individuals often use the data privacy to conceal their identity. This is a challenge especially for those writing under the Defense beat. Names of suspects and victims cannot be written without prior consent.

Even with the use of technology, we should be educated of our rights. We can always demand the other party to stop recording because we are not comfortable. The other party should also not speak ill of another in public or say anything with malice. Those statements are admissible as events. I wonder how the pharmacist feels today. He must be going through a lot of mental trauma that he did not sign up for.

I'd go for the rules rather than my own convenience, if I were in the same situation. If the attendant refuses to dispense drugs based on guidelines, then so be it. There is no point arguing and putting the other person at risk. Sanctions could even await the establishments mentioned.

Above all, we must also learn to respect others' rights. There is no need to take out one's phone and document everything. What's worse is publishing that content online without context or explanation. Technology has indeed changed the way we see things and the way we operate. Yes, it provided us with convenience and ease. However, it is not a means to destroy one's life. In fact, nobody deserves any negativity.