Mug Shots: Equality Paradox

In the ongoing saga of equal protection under Philippine law, Terry Ridon has raised a fascinating procedural inquiry: Why does a regular citizen get a high-definition mugshot board, while a Vice President gets a VIP pass right past the camera?

THE BOOKING PROCESS TIER SYSTEM

[ TIER 1: THE ORDINARY CITIZEN ]

• Lighting: Harped fluorescent bulb.

• Backdrop: Height chart with chipped paint.

Deliverable: Front and profile mugshot photos.

[ TIER 2: THE VIP EXECUTIVE ]

• Lighting: Soft ambient glow / Ring light optional.

• Backdrop: Seamless background / Press briefing hall

• Deliverable: A polite statement from defense counsel.

Under Article III of the Constitution, all citizens enjoy equal protection of the laws. In the booking room of a police precinct, however, that constitutional guarantee appears to come with a very specific rank-based filter.

STANDARD BOOKING CHECKLIST

-Citizen A (Jeepney Driver):

Fingerprints, photo, height wall, zero delay.

Citizen B (Vice President): Protocol clearance, legal manifestations, camera lens shuttered!

When an ordinary citizen is processed, the law demands a complete profile picture—left side, right side, plaque in front. But when a high-ranking official enters the frame, the camera lens suddenly develops a profound sense of institutional respect and refuses to click.

Ridon’s argument cuts straight to the core of executive privilege: Where in the Rules of Criminal Procedure does it say that holding a constitutional office grants you immunity from camera flashbulbs?

[ THE EXECUTIVE BOOKING FLOWCHART ]

ENTER PRECINCT FOR PROCESSING ──► ARE YOU A HIGH-RANKING OFFICIAL?
│
▼
[YES] ──► CONVERT MUGSHOT INTO A PHOTO-OP [NO] ──► HOLD THE PLAQUE AND SMILE
The distinction is striking:

The Ordinary Citizen: Instructed to remove hats, glasses, and pride while holding a wooden board with black text.

The VIP Defendant: Surrounded by five defense lawyers explaining that a mugshot might harm the dignity of the office, while reminding everyone that the official is not technically immune from arrest—just immune from bad lighting.

If the defense cannot point to a specific legal provision granting mugshot exemptions to executive officials, the conclusion becomes unavoidable: it isn't legal procedure, it's just first-class service.

THE REVISED RULES OF COURT

Rule 1: The law applies equally to all people, regardless of stature.

Rule 2: If Rule 1 creates an awkward photo, consult Rule 3.

Rule 3: VIPs receive the "No-Mugshot, Soft-Focus" administrative tier.

In a country where public servants continually promise that no one is above the law, the booking desk provides the ultimate litmus test. Until high-ranking officials stand in front of the exact same height chart as everyone else, equal justice under law remains a nice motto printed on a poster—right above the camera they refuse to face.