Behind Boundaries

18

“Counselor, are you suggesting that Mr. Santiago’s actions were a result of his condition?” The judge asked.

Lahat kami na nasa loob ng korte ay tahimik habang nakikinig sa seremonya. Indeed, there’s a complexity in this case... including Mr. Fort Santiago.

“Yes, Your Honor. Mr. Santiago’s alter personalities may have engaged in the illegal activities without his primary identity’s awareness or control.” Visser said without any hesitation before looking at my side.

“Objection, Your Honor!” The prosecution spoke. “The defense is attempting to use Mr. Santiago’s mental health condition as an excuse for criminal behavior.”

“Overruled,” The judge said. “Please continue, counselor.”

“Thank you, Your Honor..” Visser said before looking at my side. “I would like to call Dra. Austero, a forensic psychiatrist, to provide expert testimony on this matter.”

After carefully evaluating numerous ethical and legal considerations, pinayagan ako ng korte na magbigay ng expert testimony even there’s a potential conflicts of interest. Since professionalism ang usapan, hindi na sila nagbato sa akin ng kung ano anong tanong.

“Your Honor, members of the jury, individuals with DID often experience amnesia between their different identities,” Walang putol kong sabi.

“This means that one identity may not be aware of the actions committed by another identity. In Mr. Santiago’s case,” Nilingon ko si Fort na ngayon ay masamang nakatingin sa akin. I see. Baka siya na nga ‘yon, at hindi si James or whatsoever.

“His alter personalities may have been responsible for the burglaries while his primary identity remained unaware.” I added.

“Objection, Your Honor!” Muling sigaw ng prosecution. “This defense is merely an attempt to evade responsibility for criminal actions.”

Why does it feel like there’s something strange between the prosecutor and Mr. Santiago? parang galit na galit naman ‘yong abogada sa kaniya masiyado?

“Overruled,” Sabi ulit ng judge. “Please continue, counselor.”

“Thank you, Your Honor..” Visser said before looking at me with his serious face. “Dra. Austero, can you explain how DID could have influenced Mr. Santiago’s behavior in these instances?”

We got this.

“Certainly. In cases of DID, it is not uncommon for certain alters to engage in behaviors that are contrary to the individual’s primary moral compass or values,” I explained. “These alters may act impulsively and without regard for legal consequences due to their own unique perceptions and motivations.”

“Thank you, Dra. Austero,” Visser said. “Your Honor, based on the expert testimony provided by Dra. Austero and considering Mr. Santiago’s diagnosed condition of DID, we argue that he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity.”

The people inside the courtroom gasps. Kahit si Mr. Fort Santiago ay parang nagulat sa binitiwang salita ni Visser. Is it possible that he changed into another alter?

“Members of the jury, you have heard the arguments and expert testimony presented in this case,” The judge said. “It is now time for your deliberation.”

Tahimik lang kaming lahat ng nasa korte. Minsan, naglilipat lipat ang tingin ko sa babaeng prosecutor at kay Mr. Santiago.

Nakakunot ang noo ng babaeng abogado habang nakatingin kay Fort. Si Mr. Santiago naman, mukhang malungkot at malayo ang iniisip.

Is it possible that Mr. Santiago and the lawyer have a relationship? base kasi sa mga tingin ng babae sa kaniya, parang may pakialam pa rin ito sa lalaki.