MANILA--Restorative justice calls for a true paradigm shift where offenders and the offended could establish good relationships after the offenders have served time in prison.
Puerto Princesa Bishop Pedro V. Arigo said the Catholic Church is not just concerned of the punishment meted on the offenders but to restore the broken relationship where the offenders and the offended will recognize each one as brothers and sisters, not only as human beings but as Christians.
In an interview with Radio Veritas, Arigo who is also the chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care said such would require a paradigm shift because “this is something new in our culture.” He said most Filipinos believe justice is best served by punishing the guilty, “to get back at those who offended other people.” Asked if restorative justice will come into fruition with the newly-released soldiers said to be involved in the Aquino-Galman double murder and the Aquino family led by former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, Bishop Arigo said it can only be achieved if everyone would pursue truth.
“During our international conference attended by prison chaplains at the Manila Hotel two months ago, the delegates underscored the need to create a Truth Commission, similar to the one established in South Africa after apartheid’s fall,” the 70-year old prelate said.
He said there are people in the Philippines afraid of truth because “for some the truth should serve their own interest because we look at things not the way they are but the way we are.”
“With varied interests, truth seems to be far in our people’s interests, wala tayong honesty,” he added.