Veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila has voiced her concerns over the treatment of sexual abuse victims during a recent Senate hearing, specifically criticizing Senator Jinggoy Estrada for his approach.
The hearing, held on August 19 by the Senate committee on public information and mass media, focused on investigating sexual abuse within the entertainment industry.
Senator Estrada faced backlash for his questioning of witnesses Sandro Muhlach and Gerald Santos, who both testified about their experiences of sexual assault by individuals associated with GMA Network. Muhlach and Santos, who suffered abuse 19 years apart, recounted their traumatic experiences during the hearing. Santos disclosed that he was raped as a minor by a former musical director at GMA Network, though he did not name the individual.
Estrada’s questioning, which many perceived as harsh and lacking empathy, sparked outrage online. Critics accused the senator of victim-blaming and displaying insensitivity towards the survivors of abuse.
In response, Karen Davila took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the manner in which the victims were treated. She urged lawmakers to show greater compassion and avoid further traumatizing those who come forward with their stories. “To our lawmakers, Stop victim blaming. Treat victims with compassion and sensitivity. Reliving a traumatic experience is horrific, more so in a public hearing,” Davila tweeted.
To our lawmakers,
Stop victim blaming.
Treat victims with compassion and sensitivity. Reliving a traumatic experience is horrific, more so in a public hearing.
Stop barraging, asking “why did it take you 5 years? You should’ve filed a complaint immediately”. Victims are… https://t.co/SXH2iK2RVZ
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) August 20, 2024
She also criticized the practice of questioning victims about delays in reporting their abuse, highlighting the fear and shame that often prevent survivors from coming forward immediately. “Stop barraging, asking “why did it take you 5 years? You should’ve filed a complaint immediately”. Victims are scared. They feel ashamed. And this kind of public shaming will not help victims to come out,” she wrote.
Davila reminded lawmakers that their role is to serve the public with humility and respect, rather than to intimidate or belittle those who seek justice. “Let me remind our senators, you serve the people. You are not gods. Do not act like it,” she added.
As of this writing, Senator Estrada has not responded to the criticism.
Earlier in the hearing, Estrada made headlines when he cited Jojo Tawasil Nones, one of the two independent GMA Network contractors accused by Muhlach of sexual abuse, for contempt. Nones denied offering a settlement donation to a charity of Muhlach’s father, actor Niño Muhlach, leading to Estrada’s contempt citation.
Nones and fellow contractor Richard Dode Cruz were named as respondents in an administrative complaint filed by Sandro Muhlach with GMA Network and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
