Rene is not your patron saint, nor was he a martyr to be commodified. Every now and then, hearing news about him feels more like an advertisement opportunity or some shitpost. It’s not new how, even in death, people find ways to remember you. Our ways of honoring Rene are a damning reflection of how we easily uphold incompetent and negligent systems.

What happened after the past tragedy should’ve been true accountability for Rene. Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) is scrutinized, those involved in his death are penalized, and all is good. But justice served doesn’t really translate well for those grieving.

After all, we can’t criticize how people grieve. However, we can criticize the systems that create these deep-rooted issues.

ADMU created a scholarship in honor of Baterbonia and Adili, both of whom lived outside Metro Manila. Yet, why now? Why must support systems be made with the blood of those who tragically perished?

The narrative shift feels more like an attempt to soften harsh criticism. But instead of this being what I remember most about Rene, I think about his hyper-realistic statue and merchandise made by netizens—that is exactly the issue I am pointing out.

Let me repeat myself once more: Rene is not a patron saint, nor was he, and ever will be, a martyr. He’s someone who aspired for more yet died under the negligence of the institution. He deserved justice. But society molded itself to see that he’s just a name to milk and farm with.

While Rene is remembered, let’s also remember why his name pops up on our feed. The sentimentalism of his community shields institutional imprudence. In no way should people commodify someone for their own benefit. In no way should we be farmed for the profit of any individual, or any institution. In no way should we be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

The Frontman