Veteran director Joel Lamangan has confirmed that he is the filmmaker referenced in Ahron Villena’s recent social media post, where the actor alleged he was a victim of sexual harassment during a film shoot.
Ahron Villena, in a cryptic Facebook post, shared his experience of being harassed by a director while filming a movie. He claimed that during a scene that required him to wear a plaster on his private part, the director dismissed the makeup artist and personally applied the plaster, during which Villena alleges inappropriate contact occurred.
In a recent episode of the online show ‘Oras ng Opinyon, Talakayan at Diskusyon’ (OOTD) on YouTube, hosted by Jobert Sucaldito and Chaps Manansala, Sucaldito revealed that he had spoken to Lamangan about the allegations. “I called direk Joel Lamangan the other night and nagkausap kami and I asked him about this thing kung siya ba ‘yung pinapatungkulan (ni Ahron),” Sucaldito said. “At umamin siya (direk Joel) na siya ‘yung pinapatungkuklan ni Ahron. Si Ahron Villena, siya ‘yung nanalo sa MTB (TV Idol noong 2004).”
Lamangan confirmed that he was the director in question but offered his version of events. He explained that the incident took place during the filming of a movie in which Villena had a cameo role alongside actress Lovi Poe. Lamangan stated that he asked the makeup artist to leave to protect Villena’s privacy and took over the task of applying the plaster himself to ensure it was properly secured for the scene.
“Nagmagandang-loob lang daw siya (direk Joel) at sinabihan niya si Ahron na huwag magpalagay sa make-up artist baka ikalat niya at kung ano ang ikuwento about you (Ahron) something like that and which is normal yan. At ang ginawa niya ay hinigpitan lang niya ‘yung plaster para hindi kumawala kasi nga may ka-lovescene siyang artista at wala raw siyang intension para tsansingan,” Sucaldito added.
According to Sucaldito, Lamangan insisted that there was no intention to harass the actor, and his actions were motivated solely by a desire to maintain professionalism on set. “Yun ang sabi niya, kung baga wala siyang planong tsansingan, ‘yun ang sabi niya kung baga again against his word against Ahron,” Sucaldito explained.
Lamangan, a respected figure in the industry with over 30 years of experience, emphasized that this was the first time such an accusation had been made against him. He reiterated that there was no ill intent behind his actions and that he was simply trying to ensure that everything went smoothly during the shoot.
As the situation continues to unfold, Lamangan’s response to the allegations has sparked widespread discussion within the entertainment community. Despite the controversy, Lamangan remains active in the industry and is currently appearing as the character Roda in the television series ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.’
