Gerald Santos asked the Senate panel to strengthen the laws on sexual abuse, harassment, and assault during the Senate hearing on the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media on Tuesday.
In his statement, the former showbiz personality recalled the grave incident that happened 19 years ago. He said trying to remember the incident in great detail was a “mental, psychological, and emotional torture” for him. To hear about Sandro Muhlach’s case triggered him to remember all the hurt and pain that he went through under the hands of a music director on December 25 and 26, 2005.
In 2010, Santos filed a complaint against the music director and submitted it to GMA. He mentioned that he was relieved to know that the company had taken action against the perpetrator. He also thanked GMA for removing the accused from their network, to which he and his team are currently building a case against.
“Humihingi din ako ng paumanhin sa aking former mother network, GMA, kung ito ay nag-cause ng negatibong reaksyon mula sa mga tao. Hindi ko hangad na sirain at dungisan ang magandang reputasyon ng GMA. Hindi ko ito laban against GMA, kundi sa mga taong gumagawa ng kahalayan at kasamaan,” he said.
He mentioned that at 15 years old, he experienced the worst that can happen to a child. As the breadwinner in his family, he tried hard to forget the incident. He feared that no one would believe him and that his abuser may affect his showbiz career and family. He added how it took him five years to speak out in 2010, as he did not have any connections.
Due to that, he asked the committee to strengthen the laws on sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and rape, especially for male rape. He asked for longer prescription periods due to the impact and several complications it gives victims.
Moreover, he asked companies, corporations, and organizations to prioritize the health of the victims who come forward with reports of abuse and harassment. He suggested that psychological and psychiatric support be given to victims as it is crucial, most especially for minors.
“Ito ang aking personal na naranasan at matatawag itong double jeopoardy. Ako na po ang naabuso, ako pa ang nawalan ng trabaho,” he stressed.
Now, his priority is focused on highlighting the gravity and normalization of abuse and harassment within the showbiz industry.
“Ang paglabas kong ito, ay hindi lamang para makamit ko ang pag-personal na katarungan, kaakibat na dito ang malalim na adhikain ko ngayon na maimulat ang mga mata ng ating mga kababayan at mga kabataan sa ganitong klaseng pang-aabuso, at huwag maliitin at sabihing napaka tagal nang nangyayari; na ito ay sadyang kalakaran na, lalo na sa industriya ng showbiz,” he said.
“Any form of sexual abuse, harassment, assault, and rape is never okay,” he added.
Before he concluded his statement, Santos apologized to his former network and said that it was his home and foundation before the incident occurred. He would have never been known in the industry without the help from GMA.
“Ngayon ay handa ko na harapin ang aking tunay na kalaban, ang nang-halay at umabuso sa akin noon nung ako po ay 15 years old lamang, si Mr. Danny Tan,” he ended.
