Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso told officers of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) that his own life story, from the streets of Tondo to Manila City Hall, is living proof that second chances work.
Speaking at The Manila Hotel during the 1st PPA-NCR Criminal Justice Stakeholders’ Conference held in celebration of the PPA’s 50th founding anniversary, Domagoso drew on his personal background growing up in Tondo surrounded by people who took different paths in life.
“Ako ay napapalibutan ng mga medyo maabilidad na indibidwal na hilig tumambay sa kanto. Pare-pareho kami ng environment, umiba lang ako ng landas,” the Mayor said, noting that he worked as a garbage collector and an actor before becoming mayor.
“Ang parole ay nagbibigay ng pangalawang pagkakataon. Na ang isang basurero ay pwedeng maging Mayor,” Domagoso said, linking his own journey directly to the work that parole officers do every day for the people under their care.
He stressed that true justice is not just about punishment, it is equally about giving people the chance to change.
“Ang tunay na hustisya ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagpaparusa, ito ay tungkol din sa pagbibigay ng pagkakataong magbago ang isang tao.”
“Kapag pinag-uusapan ang hustisya, madalas ang unang naiisip ay parusa. Pero ang tunay na hustisya ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagpaparusa, ito ay tungkol din sa pagbibigay ng pagkakataong magbago ang isang tao,” Domagoso said.
In a pointed but lighthearted remark, he noted without naming anyone that one of the country’s sitting senators is living proof of the parole system’s power.
“Isa sa senador natin ay nabigyan ng ganito, pwede pala maging senador. Who are we para manghusga?” Domagoso said.
Domagoso also shared a recent crime incident in Manila where he said his knowledge of the streets helped authorities quickly apprehend the primary suspect, with three others surrendering shortly after, saying it is precisely this understanding of the community that allows the city to address crime while still believing in rehabilitation.
“Ang tunay na nagnanais magbago ay isang mahalagang pamumuhunan para sa mas maayos at mapayapang lipunan.”
“Ang tunay na nagnanais magbago ay isang mahalagang pamumuhunan para sa mas maayos at mapayapang lipunan,” he said in closing, accepting a Plaque of Recognition from the PPA on behalf of the City of Manila and pledging to continue strengthening the partnership between the local government and the national agency in the years ahead.
