Photo courtesy from Senate of the Philippines

On August 19, 2024, a significant hearing took place under the leadership of Senator Robinhood Padilla, focusing on a pressing issue in the Philippine entertainment industry: sexual abuse and harassment. As the chair of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, Padilla aimed to shed light on complaints against television networks and artist management agencies.

During this third hearing, the committee heard powerful testimonies from two prominent figures: Sandro Muhlach and Gerald Santos. Both shared their harrowing experiences, underlining the need for urgent reform within the industry.

Muhlach, who joined the hearing virtually, bravely accused two independent contractors from GMA Network of sexual abuse. Meanwhile, Santos appeared in person, recounting his traumatic experience of similar abuse when he was just 15 years old. Their testimonies resonated deeply, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals within the industry and the urgent need for change.

Senator Padilla emphasized that the committee's purpose is not to act as a courtroom, but to create effective legislation that benefits the Filipino people. He reiterated the importance of addressing these issues not just for the victims, but for the integrity of the industry as a whole.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada echoed Padilla's sentiments, emphasizing that the public inquiry's primary goal is to tackle the rampant sexual harassment in the entertainment sector. Estrada noted that these issues have persisted since the 1990s and underscored the necessity of thorough investigations to understand and combat this troubling reality. "That's why we are here investigating in aid of legislation," he said. "The committee of Sen. Robin will submit a report to put an end to sexual harassment within the movie industry."