The Irony of Justice: Chasing Small Crimes While Letting Big Fish Swim

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The recent arrest of a group in Siquijor for crafting rings from P10 coins raises crucial questions about the priorities of our justice system. While the law does clearly prohibit defacing legal tender under Presidential Decree 247, the fervor with which small-scale offenders are pursued often contrasts sharply with the seeming leniency shown to those involved in more significant crimes.

The P10 Ring Case: A Small Crime with Big Consequences?

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in coordination with local authorities, arrested individuals crafting jewelry from P10 coins and selling them for P1,500 each. Allegedly earning up to ₱50,000 daily, the group operated in Paliton Beach, San Juan, Siquijor. BSP representatives justified the arrests by citing potential shortages of coins, increased production costs, and the societal impact of tampering with legal tender.

However, the public's reaction to this arrest has been overwhelmingly critical. Many argue that while the actions of the suspects were illegal, the zeal with which authorities pursued them starkly contrasts with the lack of accountability for high-profile corruption cases involving millions—or even billions—of pesos.

A System That Favors the Privileged?

The juxtaposition is undeniable. Small-scale offenders like the P10 coin ring makers are swiftly arrested, yet high-profile individuals implicated in large-scale corruption scandals often evade justice. This disparity is not lost on the Filipino public, as reflected in countless social media comments:

"Kulong dahil sa barya, pero yung naglustay ng milyon-milyong pera, pinagdasal at may pa peace rally pa."

"Sa Pilipinas, dito ka lang makakakita na yung maliliit na tao lang ang hinuhuli."

"Ang arestuhin ninyo yung mga magnanakaw sa gobyerno."

These sentiments highlight a widespread belief: the justice system disproportionately targets the powerless while shielding the influential. Small-time offenders are made examples of, while big-time criminals often enjoy immunity, buoyed by wealth, connections, or both.

The Cost of Injustice

This disparity has real-world consequences. Public trust in institutions erodes when people perceive that justice is only for the poor and powerless. The enforcement of laws loses credibility when high-profile corruption cases go unpunished, while minor offenses are met with the full force of the law.

The BSP’s justification—that tampering with coins could lead to shortages and higher costs—rings hollow when compared to the economic damage wrought by large-scale corruption. Billions lost to graft could fund public services, reduce taxes, or improve infrastructure. Yet, these crimes often result in little more than congressional hearings and press releases.

A Call for Fairness

The debate is not about condoning small crimes; laws exist for a reason, and they must be upheld. However, enforcement should be consistent and proportionate. A justice system that eagerly pursues individuals making rings out of coins but hesitates to prosecute those plundering public funds undermines its own credibility.

As one commentator aptly put it:

"Warningan lang ang mga maliliit na tao, pero yung nasa gobyerno na paulit-ulit ang pagnakaw, wala kayong ginagawa."

The arrest of the P10 ring makers is a microcosm of a larger issue. It highlights the urgent need for systemic reform—one that ensures equal application of the law regardless of socioeconomic status or political influence.

Moving Forward

Addressing this imbalance requires both institutional change and public vigilance. Corruption cases must be pursued with the same intensity as minor crimes. Citizens must continue to hold authorities accountable, demanding transparency and justice.

As the public continues to voice its frustration, one thing is clear: justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done—equally, impartially, and without favor. The P10 coin may be small, but the message it carries is monumental.

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