Willie Revillame does not have a limit, so it seems. Unfortunately, society allows him as much leeway as possible. With apologies to 12-year old Jan-Jan - who was crying while being made to sexy dance in front of the public - the video posted below is for educational purposes since many Filipinos are still of the culture that laughter and entertainment can be made at whatever or whomever’s expense.
Even Mr. Revillame several times in the same video - beginning the 5:12, 6;37, 6:57 and 8:00 marks - acknowledges that the child is being exploited to earn for his family. (On air, Jan-Jan in fact was given P10,000 by Mr. Revillame.) At mark 8:41, Mr. Revillame confirms his enjoyment of Jan-Jan’s tears and sadness. In all, Jan-Jan was made to dance and cry 6 times, culminating in the macho dancing scene on a raised platform with the show’s cast members feigning adoration below him.
Under Section 3(b) of R.A. 7610 (January 17, 1992), child abuse “refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child which includes any of the following:
(1) Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment;
(2) Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being;
(3) Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival, such as food and shelter; or
(4) Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity or death.” (emphasis supplied)
And under Section 5 –
“Children … who for money, profit, or any other consideration or due to the coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate or group, indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, are deemed to be children exploited in prostitution and other sexual abuse.
The penalty of reclusion temporal in its medium period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon the following:
a) Those who engage in or promote, facilitate or induce child prostitution which include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Acting as a procurer of a child prostitute;
2) Inducing a person to be a client of a child prostitute by means of written or oral advertisements or other similar means;
3) Taking advantage of influence or relationship to procure a child as prostitute;
4) Threatening or using violence towards a child to engage him as a prostitute; or
5) Giving monetary consideration goods or other pecuniary benefit to a child with intent to engage such child in prostitution.
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Those who derive profit or advantage therefrom, whether as manager or owner of the establishment where the prostitution takes place, or of the sauna, disco, bar, resort, place of entertainment or establishment serving as a cover or which engages in prostitution in addition to the activity for which the license has been issued to said establishment.” (emphasis supplied)
Under Section 11 –
“All establishments and enterprises which promote or facilitate child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child trafficking, obscene publications and indecent shows, and other acts of abuse shall be immediately closed and their authority or license to operate cancelled, without prejudice to the owner or manager thereof being prosecuted under this Act and/or the Revised Penal Code, as amended, or special laws. A sign with the words "off limits" shall be conspicuously displayed outside the establishments or enterprises by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for such period which shall not be less than one (1) year, as the Department may determine. The unauthorized removal of such sign shall be punishable by prision correccional.
An establishment shall be deemed to promote or facilitate child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child trafficking, obscene publications and indecent shows, and other acts of abuse if the acts constituting the same occur in the premises of said establishment under this Act or in violation of the Revised Penal Code, as amended ...”
To Willie, his producers, fellow cast members, crew and audience, who seemed to enjoy Jan-Jan’s obvious humiliation, if the above provisions remain unclear, what you were involved can be considered as child abuse. Anywhere in the world, especially in a predominantly Catholic country like ours, it is appalling. You must know it is also illegal.
It is sincerely hoped the authorities punish the people who allowed this to happen for the sake of Jan-Jan, other children like him and all of us who deserve respect. There can be no excuse nor any justification for it, whether under the guise of helping or for amusement. The fact that this was done on air can only serve to aggravate the offense and condemns those who participated in it, as well as those of us who have watched it and have done nothing.
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