Singer-actor Gerald Santos has expressed profound gratitude to the late TV icon German “Kuya Germs” Moreno for standing by him during a challenging period in his showbiz career.
In a YouTube vlog, Santos opened up about the hardships he endured after coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse by a musical director at GMA Network when he was just 15 years old.
Santos revealed that after reporting the incident to GMA executives, he felt ostracized by the network. According to him, powerful figures within the company made it difficult for him to secure opportunities, leading to a significant decline in his career prospects.
Despite these challenges, Santos continued to receive international offers, including roles in productions like ‘Miss Saigon’ in London and Denmark. He credits Kuya Germs for supporting him during this difficult time, especially after he was removed from popular GMA Network musical-variety shows like ‘SOP’ and ‘Party Pilipinas.’
“At masasabi ko po na isa si Kuya Germs sa mga nakipaglaban po sa akin,” Santos said in his vlog. “Siya lamang po yung nag-go against the flow kahit na ang dami pong galit na galit sa akin noon sa network. At may nakarating pa po sa akin na nu’ng mabalitaan nila na ako ay nasa Walang Tulugan, may mga tumatawag daw kina Kuya Germs at kay Kuya John Nite na bakit ako nandito, bakit ako nandun sa Walang Tulugan, dapat hindi daw ako pinaggi-guest doon.”
“At ito po ang malala, kahit po sila yung mga tao na sumuporta po sa akin doon, nagpakita ng support noong time na yun, pati po sila ay napag-iinitan. So, ganito po kalala, ‘no?”
Santos also shared how his experience has inspired others to come forward with their stories of abuse. Since making his story public, he has received numerous messages from individuals who have faced similar situations, expressing their pain and seeking support.
“Dahil po siguro nagsalita ako, nagkaroon sila ngayon ng lakas ng loob, ito po yung sinasabi ko na hindi kayo nag-iisa,” Santos said, pledging to help other victims of abuse find justice.
In his final remarks, Santos reflected on the irony of his situation: “So, ang akin pong huling masasabi, ang nangyari po sa akin ay imbes na ako po ay maprotektahan at alagaan dahil ako po ay homegrown talent ng GMA, dahil ako po ay nagsalita, napag-initan pa po ako. Ikaw na naging biktima, ikaw na ang ginawan nang hindi maganda, ikaw pa ang lumabas na masama.”
Gerald Santos’ story has resonated with many and has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of abuse victims within the entertainment industry.
