The “witches of Endor”
Private prosecutors Sheila Bazar, Zoraya Andam et al appeared in black suits in the first preliminary investigation of the rape case against U.S. servicement in Olongapo City, thus earning the title of “the witches of Endor” from reputed “Amboy” Max Soliven of Philippine Star. Word reached the women lawyers so on the the 2nd hearing, the private prosecutors wore pink, adding pastel to the drab colors of grey, blue and white barong of the defense side of the room. What say now, Max?
It looks like the women lawyers ‘ wardrobe catch more attention that their competence, and it didn’t help that even the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s front page after the first preliminary investigation was that of the women lawyers, captioned “head turning counsels.” This has trivialized the work of the women lawyers, and gives the impression that they must have spent more time on their faces and wardrobe than studying their case, which is unfair and false.
Such is the extent of the media’s patriarchal mode that a lot of the dailies printed similar photos of the private prosecutors on their front pages. If you think that the w0men lawyers’ good looks are the only thing that makes them different from the defense lawyers, think again. The lead private prosecutors are all from the University of the Philippines. They are also younger than the defense lawyers. They are experienced in prosecuting rape cases. At least one of them topped the Bar. On the defense side, the lawyers are from the Ateneo and other law schools. (repeat this 2x) Oh okay, they are not as good looking as the women lawyers.
The money of course is on the defense. But I would bet my day’s earnings on the private prosecutors anytime.
December 5th, 2005 02:54
This reminds me of the OJ trial. Very disapointing. The media should be ashamed.
December 6th, 2005 07:27
It is a tribute to the cosmetic-cum-feudalistic / macho culture that women are still objectified and discernment does not go beyond the epidermis, even with ” enlightened ” media. Some people are doubly gifted with physical beauty and intellectual / legal gifts. It should not diminish any of these gifts. But most importantly,the women prosecutors need to be commended, not vilified, for taking the high moral ground of protecting the rights of the oppressed.
Hernan