Singer-actor Gerald Santos made a startling revelation during a Senate hearing today, disclosing that he was raped by a former musical director of a television network 19 years ago.
Appearing before the Senate committee on public information and mass media, which is investigating cases of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry, Gerald shared the traumatic details of the assault he experienced at the hands of the unidentified musical director.
“Ako po ay hindi po na-harass, hindi po na-abuse. Ako ay na-rape po. Na-rape po ako, your honor,” Gerald stated during the hearing, addressing the senators directly.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada sought clarification, asking, “There are a lot of definitions of rape. How did you say it was rape?”
Gerald responded that he was willing to recount the incident in detail but expressed fear of retaliation from those involved. ““Handa po akong ikwento dito ang nangyari, pero ako po ay natatakot na baka po ako ay balikan ng mga taong ito,” he answered.
Gerald revealed that the assault occurred in 2005 when he was just 15 years old. The Department of Justice (DOJ) noted that while the prescription period for heinous crimes like rape is typically 20 years, the fact that Gerald was a minor at the time of the assault could lead the court to consider his case.
Gerald’s decision to come forward was motivated by the recent sexual abuse complaint filed by Sandro Muhlach against two independent contractors of GMA Network. His courageous testimony highlights the need for continued scrutiny and action regarding sexual abuse in the entertainment industry.
