Court Visit

We had a road trip to Digos to go to our teacher’s court room and observe the proceedings there. We had to wake up before the sun rises so that we’d be there just in time for the start of the trial and not to mention that Digos is about two hours from Davao.

The trial went on schedule. My professor-judge was wearing the customary judge’s robe and was looking very authoritative. It put a twinge of jealousy and at the same time adoration on my part. How I wish I’d achieve somewhat the same status when I grow a little bit older.

There were more than 10 cases scheduled for hearing that day. Many lawyers were present to represent their respective clients. Civil and criminal cases were heard. There were three exciting cases. One was a case on estafa where the attorney seemed “papansin” when cross-examining the witness. There was also another civil case where the supposed witness did not know that he was one of the accused. I don’t know if it was a question of due process or pure dumbness. Another was a police raid where the accused-woman was giving inconsistent answers while being cross-examined. It was very obvious that she was lying.

When the trial was adjourned our professor-judge, as promised, treated as to a “bibingka” and “suman” which are one of the specialties of Digos City. We also had a quick tour in her office where piles of papers were all over the place.

Also, it was one of my most recent travels outside Davao. How pitiful.