Dancing boy's parents file child abuse raps vs psychologist, 2 others

MANILA, Philippines - The parents of a boy who performed a “macho dance” routine in the March 12 episode of the “Willing Willie” show filed charges of child abuse against three people they claim caused their son “emotional and mental distress.”

The boy’s parents filed the charges before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office against psychologist Dr. Ma. Lourdes Carandang, Facebook user Froilan Grate, and blogger John Silva to supplement a libel case they filed against the same persons earlier this month.

The parents claimed the publication of libelous articles and the publicity that ensued—including the branding of their child as a “poster boy” for child abuse – caused their family grave emotional and mental distress.

They cited Grate’s link on his Facebook page to a Youtube video showing their son’s performance. They said the way the video was spliced made it appear the boy “was forced to dance against his will and even when he was already crying… Grate made it appear that our family allowed him to abused in exchange for quick money.”

The parents also claimed Silva used their child to besmirch host Willie Revillame. They also cited Silva’s letter asking a popular clothing store to pull out its advertisement placements in Revillame’s show.

As for Carandang, the parents claimed the psychologist likened what happened to the boy to prostitution. They also alleged that Carandang had used the term “child abuse” in pushing for the suspension of the TV show by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

“While child advocacy is a good endeavor, there is a correct process. If Carandang’s intentions are good, she should have contacted us to offer or tell us what she wanted,” they said.