‘Tatlong Dekada’, dokumentaryo ni Kara David (Full Episode) | I-Witness

Summary

The story follows Tatay Willy, who was imprisoned in the 1990s and spent over three decades in prison. His journey is one of transformation, as he learns, teaches, and seeks redemption within the walls of Bilibid Prison. Despite the hardships, his spirit remains unbroken, and upon his eventual release, he faces the challenges of reintegrating into a society that has moved on without him. His emotional reunion with family and his struggle to rebuild his life highlight the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tatay Willy graduated high school in 1990, just before the rise of the internet and social media, reflecting the world’s significant changes since then.
• 😀 He was sentenced to double life imprisonment after being involved in a violent incident during a trip with friends in 1990.
• 😀 Despite his circumstances, Tatay Willy made efforts to better himself in prison by pursuing education, including automotive studies and farming skills.
• 😀 The Bureau of Corrections offers educational programs and moral/spiritual guidance to inmates to help reform them and prepare them for reintegration into society.
• 😀 After over 30 years, Tatay Willy was transferred to a medium-security prison, where he continued his personal growth and aimed for an early release via good conduct time allowance.
• 😀 His journey highlights the emotional toll of long-term imprisonment, especially in terms of missing family events and milestones.
• 😀 Tatay Willy remained hopeful throughout his imprisonment, never losing sight of the possibility of release and a new life outside.
• 😀 Upon release in 2021, Tatay Willy faced the challenges of reintegrating into society, including fears of being judged or rejected due to his past.
• 😀 He was welcomed by his family, but the transition was awkward and filled with tension, especially as he tried to rebuild relationships that had been strained by his long absence.
• 😀 The story emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation in the prison system and the need for society to embrace former prisoners and help them reintegrate successfully.
• 😀 Tatay Willy’s return to his old home revealed how much had changed in his family and surroundings, yet he found solace in reconnecting with his loved ones and seeking redemption for past mistakes.

Q & A

What was the significance of February 3, 1990 for Tatay Willy?

February 3, 1990 marked the day Tatay Willy last saw the world in freedom. It was a pivotal moment in his life, as he was incarcerated after a violent incident during a trip with friends, which led to his imprisonment for double life imprisonment.

What role did education play in Tatay Willy’s life during his incarceration?

During his time in prison, Tatay Willy focused on self-improvement by taking various courses, such as automotive training, and later used his knowledge as a farmer to teach fellow inmates about agriculture. This education contributed to his rehabilitation and eventual sentence reduction through good conduct.

How did Tatay Willy feel about his time in prison, and what kept him going?

Despite the harsh conditions, Tatay Willy never lost hope. He continued to believe in the possibility of his eventual release and kept his faith strong, focusing on his work, education, and the hope that he would reunite with his family one day.

What does the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) system represent in the Philippine justice system?

The Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) allows prisoners who demonstrate good behavior while incarcerated to have their sentences reduced. It is designed to encourage rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society, as seen with Tatay Willy’s release after serving a portion of his sentence.

What challenges did Tatay Willy face upon his release?

Upon his release, Tatay Willy faced challenges adjusting to the changes in the world after three decades in prison. He also experienced discomfort with his family, as they had grown apart during his imprisonment, and he struggled with feelings of alienation and uncertainty about his future.

What does the story of Mang Rogelio reveal about the prison system and rehabilitation?

Mang Rogelio’s story highlights the hardships of being incarcerated for a long period, especially the physical and emotional toll it takes on a person. Despite his past, Mang Rogelio's story also underscores the importance of rehabilitation and the support of family in reintegrating into society after being released.

Why was Mang Rogelio left waiting alone after his release, and how did this affect him?

Mang Rogelio was left waiting alone because no one from his family came to pick him up. This abandonment was a profound emotional blow, highlighting the difficulties that many former prisoners face when trying to rebuild their relationships and reenter society after incarceration.

How did Tatay Willy’s reunion with his family affect his emotional state?

Tatay Willy’s reunion with his family brought mixed emotions. While he was happy to be free, he felt a sense of unease and alienation, particularly with his wife, as their relationship had changed during his three-decade-long absence. The reunion was a moment of both joy and uncertainty.

What is the symbolism behind the white t-shirt Tatay Willy received upon his release?

The white t-shirt Tatay Willy received upon his release symbolizes a fresh start, a new chapter in his life outside the prison walls. It marks his transition from a prisoner to a free man, signaling a potential for renewal and reintegration into society.

What does Tatay Willy’s visit to his old family home reveal about the passage of time?

Tatay Willy’s visit to his old family home reveals how much time has passed and how disconnected he feels from his past. The house, much like his memories, has decayed, symbolizing the emotional and physical toll of his long imprisonment. It highlights the difficulty of reclaiming the past after such a long separation.