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?

Vargas Files Case Versus Parents of Bully

Hearing about this case just made me worry so much about folks who could be in the same predicament. QC Councilor Alfred Vargas and his wife Yasmine is taking a tough stand after their son has allegedly experienced bullying from a minor while doing swimming activities. 

They filed a complaint against the minor's parents at the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila. The file listed respondents as Juvelle Bacosa, Robert Vincent Sy. This is in violation of Section 10a of RA 7610 commonly known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. According to them, the minor had repeatedly pushed and held the son of the Vargas' while underwater, all during the duration of swimming and training sessions. They have noted repeated incidents, short of drowning, in which the Vargas' communicated, reminded and appealed to stop. Ms. Yasmine in one instance saw the minor engage in inappropriate acts, where she informed the parent but only downplayed and got gaslit by the mother. 

Things took a huge turn last February during a competition at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Several parents saw the minor push their son during warm ups, where two others (friends of the minor) laughed. This has brought their son severe physical and emotional stress. It was the final straw. 

According to Vargas, the mother acted as if nothing happened when it was brought to her attention, then posted online misrepresenting the incident. He says "As a Father, there are a few things you can't endure, to see your own son get oppressed. We should have done it sooner, and this is just some of the few things they did to our son. This isn't just child's play, and we simply cannot ignore this."

The complaint also indicated how they both have failed to supervise and discipline the minor, cited how dangerous it is to continue. He adds "We choose to fight back, not for revenge, but to make sure our son gets protected, it is for him and the others who are afraid to speak up!"

Vargas has always been a staunch supporter of protecting the rights of a child. He has discussed this in the QC council, on how parents should be held accountable especially on bullying incidents. He hopes a systemic reporting procedure be done to protect them and their families. He also hopes this inspires those who suffer the same fate.

Here's hoping JUSTICE be served!

VARGAS Calls for Stricter Implementation, Review and Investigation of QC Anti-Bullying Measures

Trigger Warning:Bullying++

In recent reports, a first year high school student became a victim of bullying in Quezon City. He had seizures, apparently got bullied and hurt by his classmates, called names as a SPED (special education) student which caused his untimely demise last February (where his Mom is still asking for justice to this day, despite catching it all on CCTV). 

Former Congressman and now Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas took his time at a privilege speech and ask for a review of the existing Quezon City Anti Bullying Ordinance to address the number of incidents of this nature. It has increased in recent years and mostly have been caused by bullying, physical harm, picking on those who are differently abled. He explains how it is important to see who should be accountable, while being given due process and seek the truth. 

As of now, the QC Council has voted unanimously for an investigation on the incident. Vargas reiterates the importance of stopping this from happening again. He says "We cannot just make "a person thinking like a child" a reason for all of these. This is serious, and is a matter of life and death. I am calling for everyone's help on this matter and hope justice be served."

He adds "Together with our Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, we urge everyone in the city council to start discussions on the Anti Bullying Ordinance and the measures we have protecting these kids. I think it is high time we put in stronger measures, like reporting, the duties of school administrators and the parents. Let's not be silent on this matter!"

I agree with him that there should not be anyone who would go through these things in 2026. He also said no parent should experience this sadness, sorrow or grief in their lifetime. The cycle of abuse should stop!

PENSHOPPE Launches #iamdifferent Campaign

Have you ever been bullied? I have, a lot of times actually. I am glad to have joined several campaigns that have tackled this difficult problem that people have been through all these years. It makes me realize that it's a also a cycle, admittedly I have also bullied some of my friends, and I know it's not right. As much as I can, I try not to do that anymore because it's wrong on so many levels. I'm glad Penshoppe is doing it too.

You see my crazy hair? The weird clothes I wear? The shoes that I use? I love them all, but I'm sure a significant part of society won't consider that normal, up to their standards, but if you think about it I am the personification of this particular campaign because #iamdifferent. Being different doesn't mean people have the right to abuse you, use you, or tell you bad things because it's not right. That difference should be celebrated, because it's something good, it's individuality, it's taking a gamble with non conformity. It's cool, it's fashion forward, and no one should put you down because of it.

Together with the iconic men and women that are endorsing Penshoppe like Lucky Blue Smith, Sandara Park, Cameron Dallas, Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid, Mario Maurer, and local stars Tanner Mata and Hashtag Ronnie Alonte, this night was something they wanted to happen because they were excited about this cause according to Jeff Bascon, Penshoppe's Fashion Director. It's very current, it's still happening and they will put a stop to it by funding a grassroots program module that would teach kids acceptance, against bullying via the organization Teach For The Philippines. 

All you have to do now is support the movement by purchasing limited edition shirts included in the #iamdifferent collection. Each shirt has a unique serial number and is supported by models, artists, individuals from around the world who believe in the cause. I'd like to take this bit to thank PENSHOPPE for including me in this campaign. I would really love bullying to end, and I know this is just the start. 

If you want to support the cause, please visit your nearest Penshoppe branch and purchase these lovely shirts made of really good material, with specially hand crafted tags just for the cause. Congratulations Penshoppe!