ALFRED VARGAS Unfazed with Legal Battle: Releases Strong Statement

Recent pronouncements from the Office of the Prosecutor has certainly dampened the spirits of the whole Vargas family as they have fought tooth and nail for their son in the bullying case they filed in recent months. Alfred Vargas has released a statement questioning that if hard evidence and medical diagnosis wouldn't be accepted in court, they worry what message this would send especially for those who have been traumatized by such incidents. 

Alfred says "While it hurts to see how our motion has been denied, and feel our efforts have been wasted, we continue to hold our heads high. We did not rely on speculation, but with testimonies from witnesses who saw our son being bullied and abused."

The believe the Office of the Prosecutor has committed an error and have filed criminal complaints against the parents for the violation of RA 7610 or the Child Abuse Law. They worry much of what precedents this may do especially for those who are victims of bullying and just suffer in silence, and wonder how this would affect the community?

They promise to not back down and exhaust all avenues and legal remedies including bringing this to the Department of Justice. They still believe in it especially for the truth they want to have. They vow to work on this case until they receive justice they deserve and calls for stronger laws and punishment for those who are bullying. 

They remain unfazed.

After Bullying Ordeal: VARGAS' Kid Shows Tough Form in Swim Meet

Proud Mom Yasmine and Dad (multi awarded actor) Alfred Vargas just posted super good news on their socials as their son Cristiano got back on the tank, something he's been looking forward to doing after the bullying ordeal he went through months ago. 

Ms. Yasmine described the time as lost opportunities since their young kid wasn't able to compete in his favorite sport, and they knew how he felt disheartened (at the time), but now surprised how he came back ready, better than ever! 

This was during the recent Milo Swim Competition where he raced with bigger kids at the 9-10 year old event. He was able to improve his previous time in different events, and came back clocking new personal bests, a feat which surprised even those who have been supporting him. They (Mom and Dad) dubbed him as their "Comeback Kid", and proudly saw how the fruits of his labor have all come true. In the meet, he was given the Most Outstanding Swimmer award in his category (Category A), this is also his second one as he won the same thing last year. 

Councilor Alfred and Ms. Yasmine credits Cristiano's new coach Mr. Manny Thruelen who went back from years of retirement just to make sure he gets the needed training for the sport. His previous team and the swim community at that time also showed their support for the kid. They were overjoyed at the sight of people, including his previous coaches Gary and JM who were there and supported him too. 

Here's their post!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🌸 Yasmine E. Vargas 🌸 (@yasmine_vargas2307)

They're extremely happy and profess this as the handy work of God, and give all praises to the one above for doing this after the ordeal he went through. Congratulations Cristiano! Mom and Dad will SURELY stay behind you, and continue to LOVE you no matter what! 

PS. Quezon City has programs against bullying together with the Department of Education to make sure there are enough safe and inclusive spaces so please ask about it with your LGU's if you need help!

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.