Website of the news front line: https://www.gmanetwork.

com/news/topstories/ulatfilipino/606162/ina-kalaboso-
matapos-mahuling-nagnakaw-ng-gatas-para-may-maipakain-daw-sa-anak/story/

Summary of the news (Issue) Ethical Issue:

A lady named Maricel dela Cruz was arrested
after allegedly stealing milk from a store in
Pangasinan. In jail, she admitted that the milk
was meant for his one-year-old youngest son.
It is said that his child is seven and that she
has not been able to buy milk for two days
due to lack of money.
The ethical dilemma lies in balancing immediate
human needs with legal and societal norms.
Ethical Question:
Can stealing ever be morally justified to fulfill a basic
human need like feeding a child, even if it violates
property rights and societal laws?

Evaluation of ETHICAL THEORY

Choose only one Ethical Theory to use to evaluate the news issue

Answer: No, stealing is wrong regardless of the intention, as it violates property rights and legal codes.

Reason 1: JUSTICE , demands respect for the rights and property of others. [2] Stealing, even for a seemingly noble cause, infringes on this
principle, causing harm to the store owner and potentially jeopardizing their own life. [3] In this place we are require adherence to established
norms and laws that protect individual rights and maintain social order and stealing undermines this principle, creating discord and potentially
setting a dangerous precedent for others.[4]

Reason 2: WISDOM (4) guides us towards solutions that benefit the common good without infringing on individual rights and stealing, driven
by desperation, demonstrates a lack of foresight and consideration for the broader consequences on the store owner and society. [6]
COURAGE (5) demands facing challenges with integrity, not resorting to actions that harm others. [7] While Maricel's situation is undoubtedly
difficult, seeking alternative solutions, even if challenging, aligns better with moral principles. [8]

Maricel's desire to fulfill her child's basic needs is understandable but Virtue of ethics emphasizes seeking solutions that uphold justice and
respect the rights of all individuals. [9] Resorting to theft, even for a seemingly noble cause, contradicts these core principles and true
compassion requires exploring alternative avenues, utilizing available resources with wisdom and courage, to ensure the well-being of all
within a just and stable society.[10]

Do you agree with the evaluation of ethical theory?

I agree with the evaluation of Virtue of ethics in this case.

Reason #1:

Virtue of ethics emphasize justice, demanding respect for the rights and property of others. [1] Stealing inherently violates this principle,
causing harm to the store owner and jeopardizing their by potentially impacting their livelihood and well-being.[2] While Maricel's intention
was to help her child, it cannot justify infringing on the fundamental rights of another individual. [3] Seeking alternative solutions that respect
justice and utilize one's own capacities through wisdom would align more closely with Natural Law principles.[4]

Reason #2:

Furthermore, Virtue Ethics promote self-preservation. [5] As a fundamental good, encouraging individuals to care for themselves and utilize
their resources responsibly. [6] By stealing, Maricel not only harms the store owner's ability to preserve their own well-being but also sets a
precedent for actions that could ultimately undermine the security, and live for everyone. [7]Recognize the interconnectedness of human lives
and respecting the right to self-preservation for all individuals is crucial in upholding the core principles of Natural Law.[8]