From the Manilla Bulletin:

Among his short films, director John Paul Seniel says his latest work “Latus” is the one closest to his heart as it tackles physical abuse among children, which is his personal advocacy. The short film, produced by Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights Inc., aims to affirm the urgency and importance of putting a stop to the physical and emotional punishment of children in the context of child discipline.

An official entry to the recent Cinemalaya Short Feature category, “Latus” (a Visayan term for beating or “palo”) weaves into one film several real-life stories of adolescent street girls in the urban coastal communities in Davao City.

Best friends Vicknelyn (Analie Lucion) and Jenelza (Nellie Fe Angot) are typical teenagers faced with the daily struggles of coping with the pressures of school and home. Although living in different spectra of society, both experience corporal punishment at home.

To escape from the pain, Vicknelyn joins a gang called Kuyaw, whose members are also tortured by their fathers. Jenelza, on the other hand, decides to focus on her studies.

On one occasion when Jenelza comes to visit Vicknelyn at her house, she witnesses how Vicknelyn’s father punishes her best friend prompting Jenelza to open up about how she’s also being beaten up at home. The film tells about how corporal punishment happens everywhere, in the family, among friends, and even in schools.

Aside from boldly exposing the harsh living conditions of a number of these children in Davao City, director Seniel casts the streetchildren who are victims of abuse themselves. This gives the audience a more insightful and realistic look into the plight of the children.

“Latus” is Seniel’s first entry to Cinemalaya. He is a correspondent for GMA News, but writes and directs short films and documentaries on the side.

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Later, the article includes quotes with the director, largely not in English, but explaining that the corporal punishment in the movie “starts with a belt.”