By Modesto P. Sa-onoy
Let’s pursue further the defense of Marilyn Lopez and Atty. Roland Pugoy that they were mere “observers” as if they had nothing to do with the coercive ejection of the Causing family. I believe this is their way of mitigating or cleansing themselves of liability and active role in the psychological injuries inflicted on the Causing family.
It is their “who me?” excuse reminiscent of Pilate’s infamous words, “I have nothing to do with this man” and released Jesus to the mob for crucifixion. Need we recall the justifications of war criminals in the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal? The magnitude of the offenses charged might be different but they belong to the same genre of self-justification and blame throwing.
Pugoy claims he sometimes gives legal advice to Olivia, the reason he was there. Could it be that the decision to disconnect the water and electricity supply to the Causings was one of his legal pieces of advice or if not, did he consent to this terroristic method? That he was singled out to represent Olivia there indicates that he had something to do with these harassing and intimidating tactics.
Whichever way, did he find the method justifiable considering that Olivia did not pass through the legal process that lawyers ought not to advise their clients? Did he in fact attempt to dissuade Olivia from resorting to these bully tactics? Does not his presence there indicate acquiescence to this primitive method of denying the enemy of the means to survive?
Lopez used the same “observer” status for being there. Was her presence necessary? Of course, she swore she was sent there by Olivia Yanson but surely not just to take a look but to ensure that BACIWA implements Olivia’s order. If Olivia wanted only to know whether the task was done or not, she needed nobody or just one, to witness the enforcement. Pugoy was enough. Also Atty. Juliana Carbon would have informed Olivia once the deed was done.
For instance. After one apartment was disconnected Atty. Carbon reported compliance and she certainly would have written another report as she promised in a letter to Olivia after “arrangements” had been made. We don’t know what that is but she indicated so in her letter.
Lopez was not an unconnected bystander but the primary instrument of Olivia. Lopez forgot she filed the expulsion case against the Causing family but failed because the law has prescribed the humane procedure of ejectment. Lopez is not a mere handmaid of Olivia but an important member of her retinue that we can assume also gives suggestions to Olivia. Did she, in fact, propose the strong arm method of forcing the Causings out of the apartment or did she try to dissuade Olivia from resorting to this unchristian way?
If the information given to me by people who knew Olivia to be a good Christian, could she have adopted this means which is clearly unchristian without advice? Did she in truth fall under bad, ingratiating counsel?
Lopez and Pugoy denied the charge of coercion, citing the law – they could not have forced Nico against his will. They did not grab Nico by the neck or shove a gun under his belly. But were they really just onlookers, audience, curiosity seekers or plain usiseros? Just watching from a distance how to disconnect a water pipe?
We cannot help but keep on reiterating that they represented Olivia Yanson who initiated this forcible ejectment. They are the persona of Olivia and were there to guarantee and confirm compliance. They are part of the mechanism used by Olivia to kick out Nico from the apartment against his will.
Is this not the intention? Cut off water and electricity, make the place unfit to live so the Causings would leave? Do they think they can wash their hands of complicity because they did not order the disconnection, did not cut the pipes and just obeyed orders? Are they not blaming Olivia Yanson who by their defense characterized her as a cruel woman? Would Olivia love that public image? Maybe so branded from her victims but not from her hirelings.
Do Lopez and Pugoy have sadistic tendencies? Horrors, if they have (I hope not). Anyway, how can we comprehend their demeanor and excuses?
Continued tomorrow.
