Actor-politician Alfred Vargas and his wife, Yasmine Espiritu, expressed disappointment after the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila denied their Motion for Reconsideration in the criminal complaint they filed against spouses Rob Sy and Juvelle Bacosa.
The complaint stemmed from allegations that the couple’s minor son repeatedly bullied and physically abused the Vargases’ seven-year-old son during swimming activities. Alfred and Yasmine filed the case under Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The Manila prosecutors had earlier dismissed the complaint, and upon review, the Motion for Reconsideration was likewise denied.
In a Facebook post, Rob Sy welcomed the development, saying the prosecutors upheld the earlier resolution dismissing the case.
“Masusing sinuri ng tatlong Public Prosecutors, kasama ang Chief City Prosecutor ng Manila, ang naunang Resolution… at madiing tinanggihan ang apela nila.”
Following the ruling, Alfred released a lengthy statement expressing his family’s heartbreak while maintaining that the evidence they submitted was substantial.
“It’s a sad day for our family, but we continue to hold our heads high.”
“Napakasakit para sa amin bilang mga magulang na mabalitaan na na-deny ang aming Motion for Reconsideration. Masakit dahil tila binalewala pa rin ang mga matitibay na ebidensyang inihain namin.”
The actor-politician stressed that their complaint was supported by testimonies from several independent eyewitnesses.
“Contrary to what the ruling claims, we did not rely on mere speculation. We presented clear, categorical, and positive testimonies from multiple independent eyewitnesses who personally saw how our 7-year-old son was clearly bullied and abused.”
He also pointed to an official psychiatric evaluation conducted by St. Luke’s Medical Center, which diagnosed their son with Adjustment Disorder.
“We even submitted an official Psychiatric Evaluation Report from St. Luke’s Medical Center diagnosing our child with Adjustment Disorder, proving the severe trauma, anxiety, and deep fear he is carrying. Paano nilang nasabi na walang ebidensya?”
Alfred argued that prosecutors applied the wrong legal framework by treating the incident as a school bullying case under Republic Act No. 10627, instead of evaluating it under the Child Abuse Law.
According to him, the alleged incident occurred during a public swimming competition and should not have been dismissed simply because it was considered an isolated event or because prosecutors found no criminal intent on the part of the respondents.
“This is not a simple case of school playground bullying governed by the administrative rules of RA 10627. The incident happened in a public, competitive swimming event. We filed a criminal complaint under Republic Act No. 7610.”
The couple maintained that the case has grown beyond their own family’s experience.
“This is no longer just about us. This fight is for all the victims of bullying who suffer in silence, and for all the parents who choose to stand up and protect their children’s dignity.”
Questioning the implications of the ruling, Alfred asked: “Kung ang mga matitibay na ebidensya at medikal na diagnosis na katulad ng sa anak namin ay madaling ibasura sa preliminary investigation pa lang, anong mensahe ang ibinibigay natin sa lipunan? Na okay lang i-trivialize ang trauma ng isang bata?”
Despite the setback, Alfred and Yasmine said they are prepared to pursue every available legal remedy, including elevating the case to the Department of Justice.
“We will not back down. We will continue to fight for what is right and exhaust all available legal remedies, including elevating this matter to the Department of Justice.”
“May tiwala pa rin kami sa ating justice system, at lalong-lalo na sa katotohanan ng aming ipinaglalaban. We will seek justice for our son until the very end.”
Meanwhile, Rob Sy maintained that the allegations against his son were unfounded, arguing that the alleged incident would have been impossible given the number of parents, coaches, nannies, photographers, and other adults present during every swimming event. He likewise appealed to Alfred and Yasmine to address any concerns directly with him rather than involving their children.
