Filipinos have always suffered from short-term memory loss.
Especially in matters of politics, the pattern is very clear: a government official is convicted of a crime and imprisoned; years later, the very same individual runs for office; and backed by millions of loyal supporters, they are put back in a position of power as if nothing had happened. This isn’t some theory. Just take a look at Robin Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Revilla, to name a few—it has happened, and it will continue to happen.
Just a few years ago, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. was elected into office on the basis that we move on from the atrocities his family committed during the Martial Law years.
That said, the fact that clamors for justice and accountability are being made more than a month since the passing of Rene Baterbonia says a lot about how much we’ve grown as a nation. But if we’re being honest, selling merchandise in his name and parading his statue in memorial events might be taking it too far.
READ: A month later, Filipinos still aren’t letting Rene Baterbonia rest in peace
Forever in our hearts, but don’t make it weird
As our contributing writer Romeo Moran wrote in his recent piece, it’s clear that the masses have yet to let go of Baterbonia’s memory. Just browsing through the feed of his mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, shows the extent of his influence, from songs written as tribute to custom jerseys and art made in his honor.
For his supporters, he wasn’t just a young athlete gone too soon, but an icon—a hometown hero they could rally behind.
If such sentiments make it seem as if he were being propped up as a martyr, well, you’re not wrong.
During the 40th day commemoration of his passing held in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Alan Esclamado, an artist based in Butuan City, brought a towering sculpture in the likeness of Baterbonia. The piece was later put on display at the event, with those in attendance seen taking photos with it. Personalities Mariel Padilla and BB Gandanghari were also notably in attendance.
Mind you, we’re not talking about some solemn gathering, but an event with VIP sections and photo booths as if it were some festival. Not to mention, there was also a merchandise stall courtesy of the mother, Rovelyn, which had Rene-branded notebooks, jerseys, and perfume on display.
READ: It isn’t about being right anymore, Ateneo
Cheapening his memory
I’m not one to go around and tell people how to grieve. If buying merchandise and creating art are ways for some to express their respect and adoration for Baterbonia, then so be it. But isn’t it, at the very least, concerning that we’re seeing more jerseys and statues than actual developments with his case?
What truly happened on June 8, 2026 in Dipaculao, Aurora? What were the findings from all the interviews conducted by the CIDG? What happened to Tab Baldwin following his resignation from Ateneo? Last thing we heard: the National Bureau of Investigation recommended that Tab Baldwin and several members of his coaching staff be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide. So far, no case has been filed in court.
Constant pressure and questioning are what forced Ateneo’s hand. It is what encouraged the national government to expedite the investigation. Idolizing and commercializing his memory won’t yield similar results. All it will do is take away from the issue at hand. We all want justice served, but we don’t need a saint.
