Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada addressed criticisms of victim blaming on Thursday, Aug. 22, in the way he questioned Gerald Santos and Sandro Muhlach in a recent Senate panel hearing, stating that it was never his intention to make it appear as such.
During the Kapihan sa Senado public briefing, Estrada said that while he understands that his recent questionings in the Senate hearing gave the public the impression of him being "harsh, insensitive, and apathetic", it was never his intention to victim blame or humiliate Santos and Muhlach who have come out to disclose the tragic realities happening in the movie industry or the entertainment industry.
He added that his goal was to address a systemic issue that has been hurting artists and workers.
Santos and Muhlach were present during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Robinhood Padilla and were subjected to the questioning of Estrada. He asked the two about the details of their ordeal, particularly Muhlach who was allegedly molested by independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz.
"My passionate approach, which did not sit well with the public monitoring the proceedings, stems from a deep frustration that these problems have persisted for years," he said.
He also stated that he's part of the entertainment industry and he's aware of these incidents that have been happening for a long time and continue to happen in the present.
"Pero takot lumantad ang mga biktima. Nahihiyang magsalita. Ang mga isyung ito ay pabulong lamang na pinag-uusapan (The victims are afraid to come out. Too afraid to talk. This issue is not being talked about in the open)," he said.
"Wala po akong intensyon na balewalain ang nararamdaman ng mga biktima ng pang-aabuso, sexual abuse o sexual harrassment. Wala po. Ngunit bilang parte ng industriyang ito, hindi ko kukunsintihin ang ginawa ng sinasabing may awtoridad o kapangyarihan sa industriya (I have no intention to overlook the feelings of those who fell victim to abuse, whether it's sexual abuse or sexual harassment. I have none. But as a part of this industry, I will not condone the acts of the so-called authorities or in power in the industry)," he added.
Estrada said that he condemns all forms of violence, regardless of gender, particularly in this industry where abuses, have been ongoing for so long.
He added that if these criticisms of the public would mean a continuous discussion regarding abuse of budding artists as well as other members of the industry or an improved awareness and movement against abuses, not only in the entertainment industry but in other sectors, he would gladly accept them.