Actor Rob Sy has spoken out following the criminal complaint filed against him and his partner, Jovelle Bacosa, by Alfred Vargas and his wife Yasmine Espiritu-Vargas over alleged bullying involving their children.
The complaint, filed on April 13, 2026, before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila, cites a violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Both children involved are minors, with Vargas’ son aged seven and Sy’s son aged eight.
According to the Vargas couple, the legal action stemmed from repeated incidents during swimming training sessions, where the respondents’ child allegedly pushed and held their son underwater.
“The legal action stems from a pattern of conduct where the respondents’ minor child repeatedly pushed and held the Vargases’ son underwater during swimming training sessions,” part of their statement read.
“These bullying incidents, by way of drowning the Vargas couple’s child, occurred several times despite efforts, reminders, and appeals made by the Vargases to the parents of the bully to tell their child to stop and to manage the minor’s conduct.”
Alfred also alleged another disturbing incident.
“Mayroon pa ngang ginawa yung bully na hindi talaga appropriate at sobrang sakit sa kalooban namin. Kinadyot niya yung anak ko sa malaswang paraan at nung nakita ng misis ko at sinabi sa nanay, tinawanan pa ng nanay at sinabi, ‘He’s just dancing!’”
He added that attempts to resolve the issue were allegedly dismissed.
“Every time we go to the parents to try to resolve these issues, we were either dismissed or gaslighted.”
The complaint further claimed that the parents failed in their responsibility under the Family Code to properly supervise and discipline their child, which allegedly resulted in psychological and emotional distress for the Vargas child.
In response, Sy firmly denied the allegations, asserting that the narrative had been twisted.
“Sobrang sakit bilang magulang na maakusahan ang aking 8-Year-Old na Anak lalo na’t Hindi Totoo at Malinaw na Binaliktad ang Naratibo. Tama na!!! Sobra Na!!! Labis na ang Paninira. IPAGLALABAN PO NAMIN ANG KATOTOHANAN,” Sy said in a Facebook post.
He also emphasized that he and his partner are prepared to face the complaint.
“Makakaasa po kayo na buong tapang naming haharapin ni Jovelle ang nasabing reklamong isinampa sa Manila City Prosecutor’s Office,” he added.
In a separate statement, Sy maintained that he is a peaceful person and that evidence will surface in due time.
“Nakasisiguro po kayo na sa likod ng camera, ako ay isang mapayapang tao at walang kasalanan sa mga ibinibintang sa amin. Ganon din ang aking partner at nag-iisang anak. Siya po ay maayos at responsible naming pinalalaki.”
“Marami pong testigo at dokumento na magpapatunay kung sino-sino talaga ang nambully… at kung paano nangyari ang pambu-bully noong February 2026.”
Meanwhile, Vargas declined further comment, saying that the matter has already been formally filed.
“Bilang ama, may isang bagay na hindi mo kayang tiisin: ang makita ang anak mo na inaapi. Hindi ito simpleng ‘away ng bata.’ Hindi ito bagay na dapat palampasin,” he said in an earlier statement.
“Bullying is not normal. It is not harmless. It is not acceptable… pinili naming lumaban. Hindi para maghiganti kundi para manindigan para sa anak ko at para sa lahat ng batang natatakot magsalita.”
The case remains pending as both parties prepare to present their respective evidence before the Manila prosecutor’s office.
