VARGAS Appeals Dismissal of Bullying Case, Urges Thorough Review

Alfred Vargas and wife Yasmine has urged the Manila Prosecutors Office to review the recent resolution which has thrown out their complaint against Rob Sy and Juvelle Bacosa. (Just an update from the case of actor and public servant Alfred Vargas who filed in behalf of their son).

As per their statement, they pointed out the erroneous basis for the resolution and non acceptance of important evidence that they have presented for the case. They pointed out RA 10627 or commonly called Anti Bullying Act of 2913 that addresses matters inside educational institutions, instead of Section 10a of RA 7610 which is for the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination Act which is apt for that. The incident they also reported has happened inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last February 14th and not inside school premises as they claimed. They also believe that this was erroneous in adapting that and their evidence too. 

Vargas also feels the resolution lessens the protection given to their child as they're treating this as a school incident instead of it being a bullying matter. They would want the matter to be looked at with RA 7610 in mind since it gives a broader protection for their child. Aside from the non inclusion of evidence, they didn't also touch on witness testimonies or psychiatric findings since their child has struggled, as the incident brought fear, distraught and psychological damage. They also deem Sy and Bacosa failed to correct and stop the incident after giving notice in earlier incidents. They also told the court how their child received aggression, emotional stress and clinically documented psychological distress. 

In their petition, they reiterated that it is not based on just their story, but of material, direct, eyewitness accounts which supports the case. They also said the resolution didn't consider the child's statement, the one who experienced it all. They feel this isn't just an ordinary conflict between minors and shouldn't be downplayed. 

VARGAS Issues Statement on Recent Legal Letdowns

Actor and QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just released a statement after learning recent legal results of their filed complaint (him and his wife) against those who bullied their son on supposed several occasions. 

On his official Facebook page, he thanked those who have been getting in touch with them and shown support. He also showed his dismay and felt his world is crumbling, saying how he feels so sad for his kids, and him unequivocally failed as a parent. He has also shown concern about the avenues of help he could go to if they would have the same fate as his kids who experienced bullying, repeated trauma while in the midst of a lot of people. This experience (undergoing the case) has taught them to never give up, and will continue to fight against all forms of bullying. 

Here's what they published a few hours ago: 

He has also sent his thanks for those who have sent their support and says he is still overwhelmed by your messages. He wishes to let you know that they will continue to fight this, and believe the cause is all worth it. 

Here's wishing they get justice they deserve.

Vargas Files 20 Counts of Cyber Libel

It disheartens and extremely bothers me to see kids suffer because of bullying. I've gone through the same in elementary and high school, and even though I've turned out okay, it is still not right for situations like these to be treated as a norm. I remember not telling my parents about it because I felt it was going to be an additional burden for them to go through that. It's already 2026, and certainly, it SHOULD STOP.

A few weeks ago, the Vargas family chose to stand up for their child and file a case formally. With various efforts beforehand, they've exerted and exhausted various ways to have this settled, but it has not stopped. A few days ago, they released this statement:

The message is clear, they do not want "bullying" to proliferate in the community. They wanted to do this silently, and never wanted confrontation to begin with. They also reiterated their call to choose kindness, to put a stop on hurting people with defamatory words especially online. They thank those who sent their support as they admit they wouldn't be able to do this alone. They also added that they want this to go through the process, with evidence, and believe the truth will come out, and justice be served. 

They filed 20 counts of cyber libel, to protect not just her husband, the kid, but their whole name and family. This certainly is a hard thing to see in public, but I see they are doing this for their boy, and standing behind him is all worth it.

Ask yourself, what would you do if you were in their shoes?