Give Up Tomorrow

Give Up Tomorrow is a 2011 documentary film directed by Michael Collins that delves into the intricacies of the judicial system in the Philippines, as seen through the lens of a high-profile double murder case. At the center of the controversy is Paco Larrañaga, a charismatic teenager from a influential family in the country. In 1997, Paco, who is the nephew of a prominent politician, stands accused of murdering two sisters, Marlene and Eileen Barrientos, on a beach in Manila. On the surface, the case appears to be a simple murder investigation. However, as the trial progresses and more details emerge, it becomes clear that the case is far more complex than initially meets the eye. The prosecution, led by Senior State Prosecutor Lorenzo Bautista, presents a compelling case against Paco, who is described as a troubled teenager with a history of violence and a penchant for reckless behavior. The defense team, led by experienced lawyer Sergio Apostol, argues that Paco is innocent and that the prosecution's evidence is circumstantial at best. They suggest that the real culprit may be someone else, and that the charges against Paco are the result of a malicious conspiracy to frame him. As the trial unfolds, the film sheds light on the deep-seated corruption within the Philippine justice system. It is revealed that many of the key players involved in the case have personal and professional connections to the Larrañaga family, which raises questions about their impartiality and potential bias. The prosecution team is shown to be heavily influenced by the politician's nephew, and several key witnesses are intimidated or bribed to change their testimony. The documentary also explores the broader social and economic context that contributed to the events leading up to the murder. The film highlights the stark disparities between the wealthy elite, who live in luxury and enjoy immense power, and the poor, who struggle to make ends meet on the margins. The country's corrupt and inefficient justice system is shown to be ill-equipped to handle the kind of complex, high-stakes cases like the one against Paco. The film's director, Michael Collins, employs a range of techniques to tell the story, including interviews with the key players, dramatic reenactments, and archival footage. He also draws on the experiences of other individuals who have been wrongly accused and imprisoned, adding depth and context to the narrative. As the case against Paco comes to a head, the documentary raises important questions about justice, morality, and the limits of human fallibility. Is Paco truly guilty, or is he an innocent bystander caught in a web of intrigue and corruption? The film leaves this question unanswered, instead focusing on the flaws in the system that allowed the case to spiral so out of control. The case against Paco is eventually dismissed due to lack of evidence, and he is acquitted of the crimes. However, the documentary argues that the real tragedy is not the acquittal itself, but rather the fact that the judicial system failed to deliver justice in the first place. Overall, Give Up Tomorrow is a gripping and disturbing exposé of the Philippines' justice system, which is shown to be prone to corruption, abuse of power, and miscarriages of justice. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who perpetrate crimes are held accountable for their actions. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who have been affected by the system's failures, and a call to action for reform and accountability in a country that so desperately needs it.