Suzette Doctolero reacts to Senate inquiry on abuse allegations

GMA7 headwriter and creative consultant Suzette Doctolero gave her two cents worth about the ongoing senate inquiry about the alleged sexual harassment of actor Sandro Muhlach.

On Facebook, Suzette shared her reaction and observation by posting the following:

“I’m posting this not as a GMA7 independent contractor, but as a deeply concerned Filipino citizen who is appalled by recent events.

Yesterday’s hearings—one in the Senate and one in Congress—highlight a troubling disparity in how justice is being handled.

In the Senate, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Robin Padilla conducted the third (?) session on the reported sexual assault involving Sandro Muhlach as the victim, and Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz (currently hospitalized) as the accused.
Despite the case already being filed with the DOJ, it’s been repeatedly emphasized to Senators, especially Sen. Jinggoy, that any further questioning on the matter should be avoided. Yet, in the previous hearing, Sen. Jinggoy seemed to harass Sandro into speaking, and yesterday, he persistently pressured Jojo Nones to answer, despite Nones repeatedly invoking his right not to self-incriminate, given that the case is already in court.

Jojo Nones was, in fact, detained in the Senate for 8 days for providing answers Sen. Jinggoy didn’t want. 8 days! dahil lang sa kapricho ba ng isang senador na feeling prosecutor? It seems the senator wanted to play judge, er no, but as a prosecutor nga and interfere in a case that should be within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.

This Senate inquiry, supposedly conducted “in aid of legislation,” is being conducted as if it were a court hearing, which is not its intended purpose. Among tulong ang maibibigay ng ganitong pakikialam sa proseso na dapat nasa judiciary na? O baka naman hindi talaga alam ng ating mga senador na ito kung ano ang kanilang trabaho? I am just asking here.

Si Alice Guo nga, pinaglaruan kayo sa Senate inquiry at ginawa kayong mga tanga at gago, pero hindi ninyo ma-contempt. Bakit? Dahil ba maraming protector? Nagtatanong lang po uli ako, ha.

ABS-CBN representatives testified that between 2020 (I hope tama ang dinig ko) and the present, they have dealt with 10 sexual harassment cases, all of which were addressed. TV5 reported having 1 case that was also resolved. Isn’t this data and the previous Senate inquiries enough to review and amend the existing laws on rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment if needed?

I cannot stand by and watch as my colleague, though accused, is treated unfairly in the Senate—a place where the law should be upheld with integrity. Paano pa and karaniwang tao na kapag maakusahan din ng isang krimen? Ang tagal ko nang nanahimik, lalo at nirerespeto ko ang proseso ng batas, pero sa mga nangyayaring ito ay hindi ko na talaga kinakaya ang circus na ito.

Senator Jinggoy, why does it seem like you’re overstepping your role when your focus should be on fulfilling your responsibilities as a true senator?

(Photo source: Facebook – @Suzette Doctolero / @Jinggoy Estrada)