Threat vs daughter Frankie angers Kiko Pangilinan: ‘Rape is never a joke’

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Like any other father, Senator Francis Pangilinan expressed anger and sadness over the rape threat against his 19-year-old daughter, Frankie, who recently stirred debate on social media as she took a stand against blaming victims for acts of sexual misconduct.

Frankie, Pangilinan’s daughter with Megastar Sharon Cuneta, recently popularized #HijaAko, an online movement to end victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence and harassment.

“As any regular father, I am worried for her, her safety and her well-being. Nakakagalit at nakakalungkot din na merong mga ganyang tao, merong mga ganyang tatay pa naman. Rape is never, never a joke,” the senator said in a statement.

(I’m angered and also saddened that there are people like that, some are even fathers.)

Earlier, an enraged Cuneta vowed to do whatever she can to find the netizen who threatened to rape her daughter and sue him for his malicious act.

Cuneta had already “expressed her strong desire to file a criminal complaint against the person who posted the offending message in social media,” according to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Pangilinan, meanwhile, noted that in various interviews, his daughter has disclosed that she has “received so many private messages from girls and women, telling her of their own sexual assault and trauma and pain.”

“Those horrific stories can be traumatic for anyone, even adults, even strong young adults like Frankie,” the senator went on.

“From the various social media reactions, I am grateful to those who expressed support for Frankie and our family. We will do all we can to try and make a safe space, even in social media, for our children,” he added.

JPV