Jojo (not his real name), hailing from Bulacan, never thought his life would take a major turn when he visited his sister in Navotas for a few weeks. But one day, after drinking too much alcohol, things changed unexpectedly. While intoxicated, Jojo and his brother-in-law stopped by a small neighborhood store. However, their trip there became tense when they encountered a couple already there. The man accused Jojo's cousin of staring at his girlfriend, sparking tension. To avoid trouble, Jojo and his brother-in-law left the store promptly.
Still drunk, Jojo and his brother-in-law returned to the same store later that day. To their surprise, the couple was still there, and Jojo got wrongly accused of harassing the woman. He said he might have touched her accidentally while intoxicated, but he didn't remember clearly. Despite his explanation, Jojo ended up in serious trouble and was sent to jail in October 2022 for acts of lasciviousness.
Jojo maintains his innocence, struggling to comprehend why he has been subjected to such a harsh penalty. He spent a whole year behind bars, bewildered by the ordeal. He asserts that he's always been a law-abiding member of the community, even starting work as a construction laborer at the young age of 13, never causing any trouble for his family.
In jail, Jojo never expected to see freedom again. Understanding his case was difficult, he felt he would simply rot away behind bars. With only an elementary education, he even struggled with reading and writing. But it is in a dimly-lit cell where Jojo found comfort and strength in prayer. He also made sure to behave well to prove his innocence.
After a year, PRESO Inc. intervened thru its Community Bailbond Program. Jojo was simply amazed when an organization like PRESO Inc. stepped in to assist him, despite lacking influence, education, or money. PRESO Inc. secured Jojo's release by posting bail amounting to PHP18,000.00. Surprisingly, no witnesses came forward against Jojo throughout the entire legal process. Jojo attended all hearings, eagerly awaiting when the truth would prevail. In September 2023, he was eventually acquitted.
Even after being acquitted, Jojo says that he is very grateful to PRESO Inc. for its unwavering support, despite the long travel hours required to reach him because he has gone back for good in Bulacan. He is impressed by how PRESO Inc. continuously encourages him to strive for a better life.
Upon his release, Jojo immediately pitched in to assist his father in building housing projects. His father, a trusted laborer for a contractor, was always at the forefront whenever new projects arose. In fact, the entire family, including Jojo, his uncles, and cousins, became involved in the work, providing a consistent source of income for the entire clan. As a perk, the contractor allowed them to build a house on his property.
Jojo declared his decision never to return to Manila, as his previous visit there ended in what he considers a nightmare. Jojo persists as a construction worker, skillfully blending gravel and sand, a job he has mastered. However, despite his educational setback, Jojo possesses a clear sense of purpose. Putting in long hours to provide for his child from a previous relationship, he is determined to carve out a brighter future.
With each structure he helps build, he also constructs HOPE for himself and his child.
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