The Story of Tata Selo

In a world where there is a line of status, those who have and those who have nothing. This status symbolizes a person's life in their entire life—those who have gained more justice than those who have nothing. The more power a person has, the more respect he gains, and the less power he has the less respect he gains. Even if the world turned upside down, wealth still has the power to rule the world.

The story by Rogelio Sikat entitled “Tata Selo” illustrates how justice works in the Philippines. The character Tata Selo, a poor old man, represents those who experience injustice where they cannot defend themselves and are despised by others. It is well known that Tata Selo killed Kabesang Tano, but a fair and equal trial did not happen. The story depicts injustice where poor people cannot defend themselves against the powerful and wealthy. It highlights the inherent inequalities and power imbalances that exist, often leading to exploitation, oppression, and systemic injustice.

As I read the story, I felt the emotions in every line written in the story. I felt sad and I pitied what happened to Tata Selo because I realized that it happened real-life situation. To the fact that Tata Selo can defend himself but instead, he suffers from the harshness of society because of his status. It is known that Tata Selo committed a heinous crime but it is because he suffered from undue caning from Kabesang Tano who abused his power to torture his workers. It clearly shows based on the story that the wealthy have access to better education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities, while the poor struggle to meet their basic needs. The lack of equal access intensifies societal divides and constrains the ability of individuals born into poverty to progress upward.

The story is well-written considering that it represents a societal issue that we experience today in the society. It raises awareness among the readers because it is realistic that the oppression is happening in a society where the rich abuse their power to control the less fortunate. Additionally, the story shows the “kapit sa patalim” phrase where Tata Selo is so desperate in his life that he commits a crime. Moreover, recognizing the injustice between the poor and the rich includes understanding the societal attitudes and biases that play a role in this division.

Lastly, I hope those who scream for help should be heard and listened to regardless of their status in life. Justice should be served equally, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, wealth, or social status, receives fair treatment under the law. It forms the foundation of a fair society, promoting trust, equality, and a common commitment to the values of fairness and responsibility.