Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin" R. Tañada III on Wednesday filed a resolution condemning the TV episode where a six-year-old boy cried as he did a macho dance routine in exchange for P10,000. Tañada filed House Resolution No. 1146, “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in condemning the recent incident involving the alleged case of child abuse in the March 12, 2011 episode of the television program Willing Willie on TV5." The resolution said show host Willie Revillame and his studio audience “drew laughter and applause over Jan-Jan’s dance, it was apparent that the boy was distraught and embarrassed by his actions and because of the reaction of the people in the studio." It said that this “clearly depicted the public humiliation of the boy as he was forced to dance while he cried on live television."
The resolution said that the circumstances “may constitute violations of the law that seeks to protect the rights and welfare of the Filipino child." It cited Article V, Section 9 of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act: “Obscene Publications and Indecent Shows" “Any person who shall hire, employ, use, persuade, induce or coerce a child to perform in obscene exhibitions and indecent shows, whether live or in video, or model in obscene publications or pornographic materials or to sell or distribute the said materials shall suffer the penalty of prison mayor in its medium period." "If the child used as a performer, subject or seller/distributor is below twelve (12)years of age, the penalty shall be imposed in its maximum period. Any ascendant, guardian, or person entrusted in any capacity with the care of a child who shall cause and/or allow such child to be employed or to participate in an obscene play, scene, act, movie or show or in any other acts covered by this section shall suffer the penalty of prison mayor in its medium period." Tañada’s resolution said “the House of Representatives calls on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to review and strengthen the code of ethics among personalities in television in congruence with existing laws that aim to protect the rights and welfare of every Filipino." The resolution also calls on “all concerned government agencies to investigate this particular incident in order to fortify the observance of existing laws that seek to protect the rights and welfare of the Filipino child."
TV5 imposes moratorium on minors, appoints ombudsman
TV5 on Wednesday evening imposed a moratorium on the participation of minors in all contests and game shows" and began preparing “stricter guidelines on the appearance and performance of minors, particularly children" on all its television programs. TV5 said that it welcomed the hearings of the MTRCB and other bodies “as opportunities to further thresh out the issues and find solutions," even as the incident was under “thorough investigation" by the network itself under the helm of its Chief Operating Officer, Roberto V. Barreiro, and Chief Legal Counsel, Christine C. Ona. TV5 also designated Ona as the network’s internal Ombudsman to review any incidents of this nature and to whom any complaints may be referred for immediate disposition.
Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations, said she hopes the incident will serve as a lesson about respecting the rights of children. “I hope this unfortunate incident serves as a lesson to all on the importance of respecting the rights of the child and prevents similar occurrences in the future," Cayetano said.. “It is very disturbing that this incident took place," she commented. “The producers of shows should be mindful that the rights of the child are respected all the time, on and off the air," she said. “In this case, the issuance of a public apology by TV5, the producers of 'Willing Willie' and Mr. Revillame himself indicates their recognition of the wrongful act that had been committed."
Child exploitation and abuse Also on Wednesday, the National Youth Commission (NYC) passed Ad Ref. Resolution No. 13, series of 2011, “Condemning the March 12, 2011 ‘Willing-Willie’ episode of actor and host Willie Revillame that showcased child exploitation and abuse involving a six-year-old boy." The resolution was sponsored by Earl Saavedra and co-sponsored by Commissioner Georgina Nava. In its resolution, NYC said Willie and his show should “be forwarned of this unacceptable incident and be condemned for his gestures that do not set a good example of a media figure." The NYC supported the call of DSWD Secretary Soliman urging TV5 to enforce sanctions. The commission urged “television networks to be more child-friendly" and to discourage the presence of children “in studio shows where any basic form of violation of their rights and exploitation may happen." The NYC resolution was signed by all seven commissioners, and copies were furnished to the Chairman of ABC Development Corporation, the TV5 management, MTRCB, DSWD, CWC and the Office of the President.
– VVP, GMA News 
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