Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Growing up with lawyers and lawmakers in my family instilled in my mind that laws are meant to be followed and not to be broken. After all, if we didn’t have laws we would have an unruly society. I personally would not break the law for a loved one. I asked some personalities if they would break the law to save a loved one. Read on as they share with us their thoughts on this.

Atty. Goyo Larrazabal

My textbook answer would be no — because as an officer of the court, I’m imbued with greater responsibility to obey the law at all times, with no exception or excuse. But, as a son, husband and father — my answer is probably yes. If and when it happens, I’d turn myself over to the authorities  and own up to my wrongdoing. We all have to take responsibility for our actions, no matter the reason and regardless of how compelling the motive is. As we lawyers like to say, dura lex sed lex. The law may be harsh but it is the law.

Charo Logarta Lagamon, external affairs,

corporate communications division, Globe Telecom

Yes, especially in life-and-death situations. Laws and policies sometimes restrict saving the lives of our loved ones. Sometimes, to get things done, going by the book is not the best option.

Baron Geisler, actor

It depends. I would do it for my mom, but I know there are many ways in this world and many options for me not to break the law. It’s always best to be a law-abiding citizen. Claude Tayag, chef, artist

Yes, I’ll break the law for my loved ones for whatever reason. Let my epitaph read, “What I did for love!.”

Maco Custodio, shoe designer

I think I would, but that depends entirely on the situation. I believe that if you truly love the person then you would. Love is foolish, selfish and blind. But as I quote my friend, “It can only be considered ‘breaking the law’ if you get caught doing it.”

Chicho Suarez, marketing manager, The Net Group

I’d like to say no, but it really depends on the situation. Ideally speaking, that wouldn’t be asked of me because if the tables were turned I wouldn’t ask that of a loved one.

Florence Ko, owner, Furnitalia

It depends what you’re saving the loved one from. If the loved one, for instance, committed murder, an undeniable sin against God and the law, then no, I would probably not save them. If, on the other hand, the loved one did not commit any sinful act, then yes, I would save them if doing so were not a sin in itself even if my actions broke the law.  God’s law is higher than man’s.

Bo Cerrudo, premier classical balladeer

I would break the law for a loved one if I had to, but only as a last resort. In the first place, if I really loved the person, I would have guided him/her enough to ensure that he/she does not stray from the right path.

Eduardo Vaca, businessman

It really depends on what my loved one did and how sensible the law in question is.