She is Crisanta Dela Cruz, the girl known for her tragic case. She has been a prisoner for a decade and still counting. But what is the truth behind her story?
Crisanta is a girl who was born into a harsh world. Because of poverty, Crisanta only finishes grade 1. Unable to read and write properly, she gets a job of being a maid that does not require any academic skills. A man known for being filthy rich. A man with a lot of secrets. He is Crisanta's boss, Armando Villanueva. I can do something about that, Armando says . She went to Crisanta and told her to go to her office. Crisanta sees a ton of papers in the table, and she thinks she will just clean them.
But she was wrong.
Armando places a lot of documents in front of her. She is confused. Should I throw that out sir? She asks. No, silly. Armando laughs. His deep voice echoes in the whole room. Making Crisanta more confused.
What shall I do then? Crisanta asked.
Sign these papers, He said.
What for? She then asked.
These papers are for your new contract. You will have a salary raise, Armando says.
Hearing those things, Crisanta's ears perks and immediately signsthe paper with a smile on her face. Thank you, boss! She said. I'm the one that should be thanking you, Armando says with a sly smile on his face. Months has passed and she kept on signing more and more documents.
She keeps on asking Armando on why she keeps getting salary raise almost every month. But Armando would only laugh at her and say, that's my thank you for your good service. Crisanta would just shrug off the bad thoughts and just keep on signing. With the amount of money, she keeps on getting from Armando, her family is not struggling anymore.
One day, Crisanta is called again by Armando. As she walks through the office, she keeps on thinking, is this another raise? But before she can open the door, Armando already comes out of his office. Oh, Crisanta! You're already here, Armando says. You need something from me sir? But before Armando can answer they hear someone knocking on the door.
I'll go see who it is Crisanta. Just go inside my office and you will see your new contract with another sallary raise on the table, go and sign it, Armando says.
Okay boss, she said. But instead of signing the papers, she just waited silently in the office. Minutes pass and Armando comes back with police officers in his side. She looks at them confused.
Crisanta, the policemen are looking for you, Armando says.
Me? Why? Crisanta asks.
We're are here to arrest you Miss Dela Cruz for a large scale of estafa.
What estafa? I don't know what you're talking about. Despite all of her protest and explanation, the police continue to drag her out of Armando's house. Crisanta keepson asking Armando for help. But Armando just look at her and said, you'll be fine.
Her name makes it to the news. Her story gets told. Many believe her and some does not. Her lawyer keeps on pointing out that Crisanta is a no read and write person, that's why she can easily get fooled.
But the court does not take her side. It's still her signature the judge says. After the judge decides, Armando stands up, ready to leave the court room.
You! You monster! You fooled me! How can you do this to me? Crisanta wailed. Her voice echoed on the whole court room. Many people are watching, waiting for Armando to speak. Armando turned and faced Crisanta. Me? What are you talking about? I have nothing to do with what's happening to you. After all, I'm not the one whose going to jail. Armando said and left the court room. Crisanta was left sobbing and being dragged behind bars. Many people were disappointed, furious, and felt the unfair justice system for Crisanta. But no one can do anything, law is law they say. It's been 10 years but Crisanta is still paying for the sin she never did. 10 years but one question still remains in her mind. What if she got the chance to study?
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