DSWD files child abuse complaint against Revillame

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) filed yesterday a child abuse complaint against TV host Willie Revillame in connection with the controversy involving a six-year-old boy who performed a sexy dance on the show.

“Today, after much study and deliberation, we decided to file a case against Mr. Willie Revillame for violation of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the ‘Special protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,’” DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said in a statement.

“Our decision to initiate legal proceedings is pursuant to our mandate to protect children who are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Soliman said.

The case stemmed from the alleged exploitation of Jan-Jan Suan during the March 12 episode of “Willing Willie” where he, despite being teary-eyed, was made to dance several times in a sexually provocative manner in front of a live audience.

The March 12 episode, which was posted on Youtube, has generated much controversy and public outrage.

Soliman stressed that there was no politics involved in the filing of child abuse suit against Revillame.

“We are filing this case because it is our job. We do this for all cases of child abuse that we come across, and we provide services to everyone who needs our help. There is no political angle here; neither is there any hidden agenda, as some quarters may allege. Our main concern is to promote the welfare of the child and his family, and others who are, or may be placed in a similar situation,” she said.

Revillame has alleged that Malacañang is trying to bring him down for supporting Sen. Manny Villar during the May 2010 presidential elections. Palace officials, however, ruled out any political color in the controversy.

Last week, a group of child rights advocates filed child abuse complaint against Revillame, Rey Espinosa, TV5 president and CEO; Roberto Barreiro, executive vice president and CEO; Manuel Pangilinan, co-producer and chair of Associated Broadcasting Company; Jojo Jardeleza, director; Rackie Sevilla, executive producer; and Adrian Gret, segment producer.

Jan-Jan’s parents Jojo and Diana, however, sued child psychologist Dr. Lourdes “Honey” Carandang, blogger John Silva and “Para kay Jan Jan (Shame on you, Willie Revillame!)” Facebook page administrator Froilan Grate before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

The boy’s parents alleged that the three individuals violated Article IV, Section 10 A of the Republic Act 7610 or the “Child Abuse Law.”

NGO rallies behind Carandang

Meanwhile, The Inang Naulila sa Anak (INA) Foundation rallied behind Carandang for giving attention to Jan-Jan’s child abuse case.

In a statement, the group expressed hope that the end result of the investigation being conducted by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will put the controversy to rest for the benefit of the viewing public, especially, the children.

The group is led by Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Gina de Venecia.

However, the child abuse complaints filed against Revillame yesterday bolstered the host’s assertion of innocence, his lawyer Leonard de Vera said. – With Eva Visperas, Reinier Padua, Perseus Echeminada