After two years of hiding, cosmetic surgeon Joel Mendez was finally found and arrested on July 12 for two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape. However, this story doesn’t have a happy ending. After being caught, he was able to post bail amounting to P360,000. I know what you’re thinking, that’s such a small amount for the crimes committed, right? And, how was he even able to bail out if the crimes were rape?
In a 2014 article by ABS CBN News, they interviewed law professor Edilberto Sandoval on the difference between rape and sexual assault. In the interview, he mentioned that sexual assault is bailable while rape is not. Despite this, Joel is enjoying freedom from his crimes (for now) because he made bail.
Netizens also noticed that this shouldn’t be the case, he should still be behind bars. Looking through the comments section of the news clip posted by ABS CBN, people were divided. Some pointed out that the rich get off easy and can just buy their way out of crimes.
Others also stated that since he isn’t jail, he could easily flee the country and hide. Honestly, this theory isn’t far fetched and we would hate to see this happen.
Another netizen commented how it didn’t take him long to “escape” either. It took them two years to find and arrest him only for him to be free again after just one day. Yes, the justice system could use some work.
Someone also talked about how Joel should be ashamed of his actions. He’s a doctor and we trust people like him to give us procedures and handle our body BUT it should be done with utmost respect for the patient.
Most of the comments showed that people were siding with the victims but there were some who blamed the victim. We’ve said this many times before but we’ll repeat it, victim-blaming needs to stop. No, those women did not enjoy it.
And, yes, she was scared and didn’t know what to do. She felt like she couldn’t scream but that’s not her fault.
The fact that she was even able to open up about it after is already a sign of courage. Stop making these women look and feel bad when in reality, Joel is the only one who should be held responsible for these cases.
What are your thoughts regarding this situation? Feel free to start a discussion in the comments section below.
Art by Marian Hukom
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