If she were in another country, what would “J’s” fate be like?
If she were in the US, for example, the teenage girl who was dubbed by Netizens as the “beautiful shoplifter of Cebu” would have gained instant notoriety and became the subject of a TV special. (It could still happen in Philippine showbiz.)
Her minor age was confirmed after full exposure on the Internet was done. Until now, her Facebook photos and videos continue to circulate even after the media has been soundly reminded that under the Juvenile Justice Law, her case file is considered “confidential and privileged.”
The precocious teenager from Southern Leyte had checked into a resort in Asturias town, where she had been a previous guest before, reportedly with a married man.
This time she had the misfortune of being pressed to settle her bill after a three -day solo stay. She couldn’t pay.
The resort staff had gotten wind of her earlier escapade in Cebu City from news reports and Internet chatter about the pretty teenager who skipped out of a salon after running up a tab of over P2,000 of beauty treatments.
Before that in August, a mall boutique complained that she had tried on clothes, bags and shoes then left the store wearing the goods.
No charge was filed when police were told she was a minor. But the CCTV video of the store’s security camera was uploaded on the Internet.
While the law is clear about the need to protect minors, even youths under 18 who run afoul of the law, J’s own actions are exposed on the Internet, a permanent showcase.
Her past remains caught in the permanent memory of a digital world.
Whatever misguided celebrity she enjoyed can no longer be flaunted without consequence.
Today, she’s a prisoner, housed in an undisclosed shelter, while social workers and the office of Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale look for ways to locate her parents and send her back to Southern Leyte.
Despite her personal grooming and fluent English, she’s no different from children who wander in the streets with no adult supervision.
Where indeed are her parents or guardians to share responsibility for how she’s turning out as a near-adult? Where is the home that’s supposed to keep her grounded and provide care?
For all its resources, the Cebu provincial government can’t act as J’s surrogate parent.
With the certification by social workers that the 16-year-old girl acted “with discernment” in the Asturias resort, J will not be treated with kid gloves if the case is elevated to the court.
She will face full criminal liability and could be imprisoned.
In the meantime, while the case is being heard in the prosecutor’s office, social workers are discussing a suitable “reform” program for J. Being beautiful is no longer enough.
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