Disparity

If there is an example of the significant disparity in how the rich are treated, specifically after a crime has been committed, this is it. Days after Jose Antonio Sanvicente hit and intentionally ran over Christian Floralde, a security guard at SM Megamall, he surrendered to the PNP accompanied by his parents and lawyers. The crime was captured on video where after the guard was hit, the vehicle continued to run over him and then sped away. It was unbelievable to watch. Floralde was taken to the hospital and has recently been discharged.

The lawyer and the suspect’s parents exerted their best efforts to deflect the crime saying Sanvicente was a good working man and all that. They pledged help with all the expenses needed by the victim but did not elaborate further. In fact, the suspect seems to have been given his 15 minutes of fame. Was the same given to the victim? The charges levied against Sanvicente were frustrated murder and abandonment of the victim. Aren’t those serious crimes? Shouldn't the suspect be in handcuffs and thrown in jail? Remember this was a hit and run.

I'm sure if a poorer person than Sanvicente ran over the guard, he would already be in jail. If the car he was driving was old and in disrepair, he would already be in jail. The press conference of Sanvicente has spotlighted him more than the victim. The PNP has since offered a variety of explanations for why Sanvicente was not arrested or even detained. There may be a law allowing him to be released but isn’t a hit and run a serious crime? If the guard died, would the crime be labeled serious?

Social media was expectedly unkind to the driver, many saying only the rich really escape the law or are given special treatment. Like those with ongoing cases able to be in high government positions, or a convicted parent yet to see a day in jail or prison. Compare that to a roadside vendor being arrested in a violent manner. Or those who wanted to help the poor get by during the pandemic by putting up community pantries only to be red-tagged and surveilled by the police. People would still want to see Sanvicente charged, tried, and placed behind bars for what he did. It sets a dangerous precedent where after running someone over, you can hide and avoid the police until you hire a lawyer and plan your defense. The poor can never have that luxury. Not with the police.