The Corner Studio opens the 2026 Philippine theatre season with People v. Dela Cruz, a one-act satirical play written and directed by Eldrin Veloso. From the same creative team behind Pilato, the production examines online behavior, public judgment, and the consequences of opinions formed in digital spaces.
Set in an imagined first-ever jury case in the Philippines, the play brings six jurors into a locked room to decide the fate of one man. What begins as formal deliberation quickly turns tense. Ego collides with politics. Prayer intersects with personal belief. Hunger, impatience, and possible Wi-Fi withdrawal add pressure. Facts are argued, feelings are weaponized, and each juror insists they know the law. Justice is discussed, but consensus proves difficult.
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“I’ve always been fascinated by how social media leaks into real life, and whether that online-offline line actually exists anymore,” Veloso shared. “We act like it does, but the real-world stats on mental health and suicide—among other things—tell another story.”
As the play developed, Veloso said the war on drugs under the previous administration became the clearest lens for the material. It showed how quickly judgment, outrage, and dehumanization can escalate into real-world consequences. “The premise may be fictional but the social behavior we’re dramatizing is real. It is happening,” he added.
At its core, People v. Dela Cruz asks what happens when online takes are no longer harmless and instead carry immediate, undeniable weight. It also questions whether society is ready to shoulder the responsibility of a jury system. “Madalíng mang-judge as you can see people’s behavior online. But in this context where life is on the line, ready ka na ba talagang mang-judge?” Veloso asked.
The production features a seasoned ensemble cast composed of Mark Aranal, Pauline Arejola, Althea Aruta, JP Basco, Rain de Jesus, Aaron Dioquino, and Emlyn Olfindo-Santos. Pat Gregorio leads stage management and assistant direction.
People v. Dela Cruz runs on January 16 at 7:00 PM; January 17 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; January 23 at 7:00 PM; and January 24 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets are priced at PHP 800 and are available through tcs.helixpay.ph.
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