Your Highness

XXV. KAPAYAPAAN HUSTISYA

"Tay, I want you to answer the truth."

"Can you brief me first what this all about, princess?"

Isa sa mga natutunan ko sa buhay ay wag paghintayin ang katotohanan. What's the point of avoiding the truth? It will only prolong the pain.

"Kapayapaan Hustisya."

Recognition immediately flashed his face but my father remained calm and composed. He nodded.

Nasa kwarto niya kami ngayon and it's already ten past eleven in the evening. Diretso lang dapat ako sa kuwarto ko but it's like my feet has a mind of its own matapos makitang bukas ang ilaw ng kwarto ni tatay.

"Mr. Rama, are you one of the founders of Kapayapaan Hustisya?"

I seriously ask as if we are in a hearing. Nakahalukipkip ako habang nakaupo naman si Tatay sa dulo ng kama.

"Yes."

"The role of your club is to fight for justice and help the oppressed, am I correct?"

"Yes."

"You and your friends hosted and participated to numerous rallys, tama?"

"Are you cross-examining me, princess?"

"Yes, Tatay. I'm just preparing myself if ever na may makaalam nito at ma-prosecute ka."

Napangiwi siya sa sinabi ko. I'm just taking an advance precaution. Hindi ko ran ma-proseso ang lahat pero ang nasa isip ko lang ngayon paano ko matutulungan si Tatay kapag pumutok ang balitang 'to.

Mas malaki pa pala ang problemang 'to kaysa inaasahan ko.

"Why would I be prosecuted? That's all in th—

" I'll be your lawyer, if it happens. So ngayon, pa lang we need to practice. Your words maybe use against you so I advised you only answer yes or no. That way they can't twist your words."

"No one's going to jail."

I didn't mind what he said. "Are you aware that Kapayapaan Hustisya is the one responsible for the bombing in CDO?"

Napaawang ang labi ni Tatay. "What do you mean?"

"The one who planted the bomb is the current leader of the group you and your friends founded. Sure, she's not the mastermind but she did the deed. If the investigation is deep enough, they'll be able to track about your past organization and you'll be drag to the putik with her. I'm serious, tatay. Kaya ngayon palang sabihin mo na sa'kin ang lahat."

I saw confusion in my father's eyes before he start d to speak. "It's long inactive—our group." He started.

"Inactive, not closed." Rebut ko. Now, my father looks conflicted. Ako rin sumasakit na ang ulo ko.  Sa katotohanan, sa pagka-involve ng tatay ko, sa lahat-lahat! Fuck, I was never a fan of politics!

"Let's continue, Mr. Rama, are you aware that Kapayapaan Hustisya is now acting as a rebellion group?"

"Our group parted decades ago. Wala na akong komunikasyon sa kanila maliban sa matalik ko—"

"YES or NO only Mr. President. No unnecessary comments."

Ang presidenting 'to! Mukhang may alam pa yata!

He remained silent. I frustratingly ruffled my hair.

"I have the right to remain silent, attorney."