Jinggoy: No intention to blame or humiliate sexual abuse victims

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada clarified that it was not his intention to victim-blame and humiliate those who have experienced abuse.

In a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Friday, Estrada explained why he acted in such a way during the chamber’s proceedings.

Apart from criticism from the public, Estrada earlier received scolding from veteran journalist Karen Davila, who reminded senators that they are not gods and that they should stop victim-blaming.

READ: Stop victim-blaming, Karen Davila tells senators in sex abuse hearings

“I understand that my recent questioning in a Senate hearing gave the public the impression of being harsh, insensitive, and apathetic. It was never, never my intention to victim-blame or humiliate those who have come out to disclose the tragic realities happening in the entertainment industry but rather to address a systemic issue that has been hurting our artists and workers,” said Estrada.

“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! Parte po ako ng industriyang ito kaya alam ko matagal na itong nangyayari. At patuloy na nangyayari. Pero takot lumantad ang mga biktima. Nahihiyang magsalita. Ang mga isyung ito ay pabulong lamang na pinag-uusapan,: he added.

(I’m part of this industry so I know it’s been going on for a long time. And it continues to happen. However, the victims are afraid to come forward and shy about speaking. These issues are only being talked about in whispers.)

In the end, Estrada said he had no intention of disregarding the feelings of the victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

“Alam nyo, kung ang kapalit ng bashings na ipinupukol sa akin o ang galit ng publiko ay para mas patuloy na pag-usapan ang usapin ng pang aabuso sa maliliit na artista o kasamahan sa industriya o para magkaroon ng mas malawak na kamalayan at pagkilos laban sa pang-aabuso, hindi lamang sa entertainment industry, kundi pati na rin sa ibang sektor, malugod ko itong tatanggapin,” he emphasized.

(You know, if the exchange of bashings thrown at me or the anger of the public is to continue to talk about the abuse of small artists or colleagues in the industry or to have a wider awareness and action against abuse, not only in the entertainment industry but also in other sectors, I will gladly accept it.)