Racquel’s (not her real name) seven-month incarceration at Pasay City Jail brought her significant personal growth. In jail, her fellow female inmates saw her as strong-minded, a notable change from her former self, who was easily upset and often cried at small things. She has emerged as a stronger, more resolute person, ready to face life’s challenges head-on.
Her incarceration stemmed from a longstanding family conflict. Her husband's family had expressed their dislike for her over the years, preferring someone else for their son. Despite her efforts to maintain peace, living with her in-laws meant enduring their harsh treatment. Her husband advised her to remain calm and endure the verbal abuse.
Racquel never wavered in proving her self-worth. She worked in various positions, including at NAIA, NBI, Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, and Duty Free, as a building attendant to support her husband, an electrician, and their four children. Despite her hard work and dedication, she never met her in-laws' expectations.
Eventually, overwhelmed by resentment, Racquel chose to separate from her husband and relocate to a new environment for a fresh start. She applied for a position as household help in Subic, where her sister was also employed, seeking a new beginning away from her past struggles.
Racquel deeply loved her husband, her affection strong enough to withstand significant obstacles, including enduring the disapproval of her in-laws. After three years apart, they reconciled, but the harsh treatment from her in-laws and her husband’s apparent indifference to the situation persisted.
One day, her best friend invited her to a gathering at a resort, where Racquel met a man who was instantly attracted to her. This man continued to reach out to her with persistent texts, and Racquel, yearning for someone to listen and appreciate her, found solace in their conversations and the feeling of being valued.
The man Racquel met was in a relationship at the time and had a child with the woman, though they were not married. When the woman discovered the exchanged messages and photos from the resort, she contacted Racquel’s husband and urged him to file an adultery case against Racquel and the man, using the photos and text messages as evidence.
Upon learning of the man's involvement, Racquel’s husband was furious. His anger led him to make the situation even more difficult for Racquel, pushing her towards a breaking point. In a bid to express her deep remorse, Racquel asked him to file an adultery case against her. Meanwhile, as her husband and the woman prepared for the case, Racquel began taking massage therapy lessons, anticipating that she would need this skill to survive in jail once the arrest warrant was issued.
True to her preparation, Racquel’s massage therapy skills proved invaluable during her incarceration. She provided massage services to fellow inmates and jail officers during their breaks, which became a crucial source of income. This income helped support her children’s school expenses while she was imprisoned. Notably, during her time in jail, her middle child graduated with a degree in accountancy.
Racquel's resilience, good conduct, and industriousness while in jail led Pasay City Jail to recommend her for PRESO Inc.'s Community Bail Bond program. As a recipient of PRESO Inc.'s advocacy, Racquel received assistance with paying her bail amounting PHP25,200 and processing her early release. Meanwhile, her in-laws began to show her mercy. Her determination to contribute financially even in such challenging circumstances earned their acceptance and respect.
Four days after her release on July 9, 2024, Racquel and her husband were reunited, affirming that their love could overcome any obstacle. Despite the ongoing case, Racquel chose to return to their home and vowed never to leave her husband again. The couple is now discussing the possibility of withdrawing the case to restore peace in their family. Both are deeply remorseful for their past actions and believe that a greater understanding and communication could have prevented this difficult experience.
Racquel is profoundly grateful to PRESO Inc. for its assistance and to the friendships she formed with fellow inmates at Pasay City Jail. She has gained valuable lessons from her experiences that she will carry with her throughout her life.
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