FROM LEFT: King of Talk Boy Abunda and sibling senators Pia Cayetano and Alan Peter Cayetano

The issue of parents separating and engaging in custody battles over their children is a common occurrence in the Philippines.

Recently, the public service program 'CIA with BA' (Cayetanos in Action with Boy Abunda) featured a case involving a father (Gerry), who was being denied his right to see his children, currently in the custody of the mother (Luz).

Senator siblings Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, along with TV host Boy Abunda, addressed the complaint during the episode aired on Sunday, May 28.

During the show, Senator Alan reminded Gerry, Luz, and the viewers about the general rule governing such cases.

“Pagka magkahiwalay, pero pareho niyong anak, hindi mo pwedeng ipagkait na makita, makilala, makapiling ‘yung nanay o tatay, kung sino man ang may custody nung anak. Ang pinakaimportante sa batas ay ‘yung welfare at best interest nung bata,” he said.

However, the senator clarified that there is an exception to this rule.

“Kung danger ‘yung isa (nanay o tatay) dun sa anak or kung merong restraining order for any of the reasons allowed by law na binigay either nung barangay or nung korte,” he explained.

“So kung sinabing masasaktan o sinasaktan ‘yung bata [o] inaabuso– it’s a danger dun sa child so pwedeng ipagbawal,” he added.

The show highlighted the clarity of the roles for both the complainant and the accused. “Kung sinong may custody, gumagawa ng rules pero it has to be reasonable — dito [may] complication. It’s as simple as magkagalit kayo, you don’t want to see him pero ikaw (Gerry), ayaw mo siyang makita pero gusto mong makita ‘yung mga anak, very clear.. may karapatan kang makita ‘yung mga anak mo.”

By the end of the 'Case 2 Face' segment, it was shown that the custody dispute had been resolved.

'CIA with BA' continues the legacy of Senator Rene Cayetano, the late father of Senator Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.

The senior Cayetano was a renowned lawyer who gained fame through his radio and TV program 'Compañero y Compañera,' which aired from 1997 to 2001.

Don't miss 'CIA with BA' every Sunday at 11:30 p.m. on GMA7.