CinemaBravo

Actor-politician Alfred Vargas expressed gratitude to supporters following the dismissal of the complaint filed in connection with the alleged bullying of his seven-year-old child.

In a social media post, Vargas acknowledged the disappointment his family felt over the decision but thanked those who stood by them throughout the ordeal.

“Aaminin ko na nanlumo ako pagkabasa ko ng desisyon. Parang gumuho ang mundo ko. Naawa ako sa aking mga anak. Nahiya ako sa kanila. I felt like I failed them as a parent.”

(I admit that I was devastated when I read the decision. It felt like my world came crashing down. I felt sorry for my children. I was ashamed in front of them. I felt like I failed them as a parent.)

“Wala na ba kaming matatakbuhan? Wala na bang tutulong sa anak kong biniktima ng paulit-ulit na bullying?”

(Do we have nowhere left to turn? Is there no one who will help my child who has been repeatedly victimized by bullying?)

“But in our moment of doubt, all of you gave us clarity and purpose. You gave us strength. Nalaman namin na hindi kami nag-iisa.”

(But in our moment of doubt, all of you gave us clarity and purpose. You gave us strength. We realized that we were not alone.)

“Yasmine, my children, and I are overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Alongside the caption, Vargas also shared a three-page statement on his social media account, where he elaborated on his family’s reaction to the complaint’s dismissal and thanked the public for their support.

According to the statement, Vargas said they were overwhelmed by the messages they received following the decision.

“Labis-labis ang aming pasasalamat sa walang patid na mga mensahe ng suporta na aming natanggap at patuloy na natatanggap mula sa inyong lahat.”

(We are deeply grateful for the unending messages of support that we have received and continue to receive from all of you.)

He admitted that reading the decision left him devastated as a parent.

“Aaminin ko na nanlumo ako pagkabasa ko ng desisyon. Parang gumuho ang mundo ko. Naawa ako sa aking mga anak. Nahiya ako sa kanila. I felt like I failed them as a parent.”

(I admit that I was devastated when I read the decision. It felt like my world came crashing down. I felt sorry for my children. I was ashamed in front of them. I felt like I failed them as a parent.)

“Wala na ba kaming matatakbuhan? Wala na bang tutulong sa anak kong biniktima ng paulit-ulit na bullying?”

(Do we have nowhere left to turn? Is there no one who will help my child who has been repeatedly victimized by bullying?)

Vargas went on to describe the impact he believes the alleged bullying had on his child.

“Seven years old lang ang anak ko. Sinaktan sya ng paulit-ulit, binigyan ng trauma, namiligro ang buhay niya, ipinahiya sa harap ng maraming tao. Sinira ang kanyang dignidad. Tapos sasabihin na ‘away bata’ lang at wala na kaming magagawa? Paano na yung anak ko na biniktima? Wala ba syang karapatang mabuhay na ligtas at walang takot?”

(My child is only seven years old. He was repeatedly hurt, traumatized, put in danger, humiliated in front of many people, and stripped of his dignity. Then we are told it was merely a children’s quarrel and that there is nothing more we can do? What about my child who became the victim? Does he not have the right to live safely and without fear?)

Despite their disappointment, Vargas said the support they received helped strengthen their resolve.

“But in our moment of doubt, all of you gave us clarity and purpose. You gave us strength. Nalaman namin na hindi kami nag-iisa.” (We realized that we were not alone.)

“Yasmine, my children, and I are overwhelmed with gratitude.”

The former congressman said the public’s support inspired them to continue seeking the truth and advocating for a safer environment for children.

“You have inspired us to continue working for the truth and for a safer community for our children.”

“We give back your love by pledging that we will not give up. We say no to bullying with greater determination. Itutuloy namin ang aming pagtutol at paglaban sa bullying.” (We will continue our opposition to and fight against bullying.)

He concluded his statement by thanking supporters for their concern, prayers, and encouragement.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we deeply and sincerely thank you.”

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal at panalangin.” (Thank you very, very much for your love and prayers.)