A Little Bit Of Something (On-Going)

#57

🚨WARNING🚨
-strong language that aren't suitable for young audiences

(Cace)

"The complaint is now under preliminary investigation. I will keep you posted with the progress. Don't worry." Eiza, a civil rights lawyer who is also under the legal team of the Romero Group called me to update about the complaint I filed against those offenders who sexually harassed Jonnie online.

   Binasa ko ang mga messages, there are girls wishing her to suffer brutally, slutshamed and bodyshamed her. There were guys asking to have a taste of her body, sends pictures of their genitals, indecent proposals, there was even someone who threatened he will drug and molest her until she begs for her life.

   Some messages were left unreplied, 'yun'g iba naman inaaway niya pabalik o hindi kaya tino-troll nalang din niya gamit ang memes. My blood boiled upon reading those messages but her replies kept my emotions at bay.

   And I felt sorry for her, she always has this bright personality whenever we meet. Even the way she defends herself is through her quirks. She's just so strong to still be able to make fun even if she just received ill-wishes from strangers.

   Jonnie always give a genuine smile to anyone, it's alarming how some strangers can't even respect her.

     "Will they get the just punishment for their actions?"

     "Masyado'ng malakas ang ebidensiya natin, don't worry, we will ace this one. Most of them are qualified for 4th degree offense under the Safe Space Act. Two offenders can be sued also for Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, since they're using their authority to harass victims online, luring them with money and career. These dickheads really be thinking being horny won't send them to jail."

     "Gusto ko lang malaman nila na hindi sa lahat nang pagkakataon makakalusot sila just because they're hiding behind their screens."

     "Again, to remind you, this is going to be a tough battle. Panigurado may iba sa kanila lulusot at lulusot. We are also up against some of the big people in the industry. This might drain Jonnie at some point. Kakain ito nang ilan sa mga oras niya, worse might take a toll on her because of the demands. Just tell me if she changed her mind, we can still withdraw."

     "Perpetrators can still freely do their wrongdoings because of the demands and fear they'll be injecting to the victims if legal actions are raised. But I don't want them to always sleep soundly at night after being a jerk."

     "You filed the complaint, but does Jonnie really want to do this?"

     "The last time we talk about this, she was fine with the idea of suing those rats." napabuntong-hinga ako, "Magkikita naman kami ngayon, I'll ask her again. If she changed her mind, I'll respect her decision. Tama ka, this will drain her."

     "Okay. Just tell me kung may changes."

     "I will. Thanks, Eiz."

     "You're a family, and this is my job and something I believe in. Of course I will help you and your girlfriend."

   Ngumiti ako. 

—

Jonnie came few minutes before my lunchbreak, she was already beaming when she sneaked her head into my slightly opened door.

     "Hi, babu." she babytalked. "Can I come in?"

     "Of course." Her presence automatically draws a smile in my face every time.

   Nang mapansin ko ang dalawa'ng tote bags na dala niya ay agad ako'ng tumayo para tulungan siya.