Paternalistic decision‐making as illustrated here violates the equality between the carer and the cared for, in the carer (officers) failing to factor into decision‐making the specific context of the cared for (those arrested). By not being sensitive to the situation of the economically deprived, the authorities failed to give due consideration to the interests of the worst off. In addition, the authorities may have failed to recognize their own deficiencies in disseminating accurate information in an effective and appropriate manner. Information dissemination that is sensitive to the target demographic is especially needed in the Philippines where educational challenges are present. It is in this area where the second decision‐making problem comes in: the failure to account for literacy levels.