No child abuse in Willie's case

MANILA, Philippines - The issue of child abuse was raised against Willie Revillame by his detractors and some kibitzers over the case of six-year-old Janjan Suan who performed a macho-dance in Revillame’s top-rated TV show.

Section 3(b) of R.A. 7610 (known as The Child Abuse Law) states, among others, that “Child Abuse refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child” which, in this case, may include an act intended to degrade “the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being.”

Therefore, in any criminal case that may be brought in connection with this case, it must be proved beyond reasonable doubt that Revillame, or any other person involved, intended to maltreat Janjan to perform the dance number that elicited rebuke or condemnation from some sectors. It appears that proof beyond reasonable doubt of such intention to maltreat the child or degrade his dignity as a human being cannot be established under the circumstances.

What is more, it defies logic that a media personality such as Revillame would intentionally commit such offense knowing that he was in front of a live audience and millions of viewers in a recorded show. The fact that Janjan and his parents have defended Revillame against allegations that he had abused the child, then any accusation that Revillame intentionally maltreated the child should immediately be junked. Who can claim a better right to know if a child has been abused when the child and his parents themselves deny any maltreatment committed upon the child?

While people may condemn what had happened as tasteless or even despicable, any debate on child abuse relating to this incident should not be swayed by sentiments as to whether showing the child on TV performing a supposedly lewd dance was proper or not. While such discussions are welcome in family, community, media and social circles, they have no place in a criminal investigation because of the clear lack of intent to commit the offense.

Hence, to remove Revillame from his top-rated show because of such incident is too harsh a penalty. The two-week leave from his program which he imposed upon himself and the millions of pesos he lost in terms of talent fees and advertisements is more than enough punishment for whatever shortcomings or faults he might have committed in the eyes of his detractors.

May this Season of Lent inspire all of us to be more compassionate in passing judgment on another for “justice without compassion, is no justice at all.”

(E-mail me at [email protected].)