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. 

Buckle Up Baby Event at Mall of Asia

Republic Act 11229 is the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles act and it has been signed by the President last February 22 and Fathers, Mothers, just about anyone is in panic to make sure they are complying with the law and that means getting a really good and dependable child safety seat for their family car. This afternoon, I was invited to the Baby Company event called “Buckle Up Baby!” at SM Mall of Asia who wanted to showcase the best of their wares and educate more Filipinos about child car seats.

Tons of brands like Chicco, Aprica, MaxiCosi, Joie, Picolo and Gracon took to the stage and Ms Teresa Ponce of Baby Company says “The law is for infants and children, to lessen death and injuries. We aim to promote the use of child seats in motor vehicles. We want to educate consumers, the parents and the community. The Baby Company Buckle Up Baby will be at the Mall of Asia Atrium until Sunday and we will be here to explain child safety, for us this is a pledge to save the lives of children in the Philippines. Make sure you buckle them up before you drive!”

Cheryl Justiniano of Nursery Care Corporation says “Studies say that child car seats can save kids in sudden stops, opening of doors while moving. This is such an important change in child safety, this event also showcases the value of a child car seat. We brought experts here with us, and each car seat is accorded to the age, weight and size of babies. We are proud to also feature Hyundai who partnered with us to see how these car seats fit in real life. We will visit other malls in the country, we move forward with the thought of having travels all safe with a baby.”

Ann Espinosa of MMDA says “We are blessed to have seen an adapted law about child safety in motor vehicles. It is now mandatory for us to have a child restrain seat when transporting kids in a motor vehicle. It will diminish accidents, will be up to par with international standards, and people will learn to know how to choose the right kind of car seat for their children. Thank you Baby Company and Nursery Car Care Corporation.”

Again, the Buckle Up Baby event will be at the Mall of Asia Atrium until Sunday. Make sure you drop by and check out, learn from them if you are looking for car seats for your precious kid.

Keep them safe!