Padilla ends sexual abuse hearings, cites sensationalism as unhelpful

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla announced on Wednesday the cancellation of his panel’s hearing on sexual abuse, citing concerns about the lack of productivity due to sensationalism.

Padilla, chairperson of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, was leading the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving independent GMA-7 contractors and actor Sandro Muhlach.

After consulting with his legal team, Padilla decided to cancel the appearance of resource persons scheduled for that day’s hearing.

“Wala na pong maitutulong ang pagiging sensationalized ng paksa na ito, kung hahayaan pa nating magsalita pa ang nag-rereklamo at hahayaan din nating magsalita pabalik ang rinereklamo, naga-aksaya lang tayo ng pera ng taumbayan,” Padilla said.

(The sensationalism of this topic will help no one if we just let the complainants talk and those being complained about to talk back, we are just wasting the people’s money.)

The conclusion from the actor-turned senator came after five lengthy hearings since August 7, during which details on Muhlach’s alleged abuse were publicly asked by senators.

Padilla said that the Senate is not a court of law and cannot determine guilt or innocence. The purpose of the hearings was to inform the crafting of legislation.

As a result of the hearings, Padilla said that he was able to file Senate Bill 2772, which imposes heavier charges, including the death penalty, for rape convicts.

Padilla has yet to officially adjourn the inquiry but said it will close soon. He encouraged legal experts with suggestions on the proposed laws to approach him.

During the course of the hearings, Muhlach filed rape complaints against Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz at the Department of Justice, leading to the parties being unable to divulge certain details that may affect the case proceedings.

Padilla emphasized that they will not waste the taxpayer’s money anymore, but that does not mean they are setting aside the concerns of the complainants.

The neophyte lawmaker and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate Jinggoy Estrada also earned the ire of netizens following their comments on the different aspects of the case.

Padilla’s exchange with resource person Atty. Lorna Kapunan on the definition of marital rape went viral after he asked how a man could compel his wife to have sex with him if she was not in the mood.

He later backtracked on this, apologizing and clarifying that the question was not based on his actual experiences.

Estrada was also criticized for his demeanor towards Muhlach when he abrasively asked invasive questions on the latter’s experiences.