MANILA, Philippines — Actor-politician Alfred Vargas vowed to continue seeking justice for his child after Manila prosecutors dismissed the child abuse complaint his family filed against businessman Rob Sy and his wife.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Vargas said their family respects the legal process but intends to pursue other legal remedies.
“We have been informed about the decision of the prosecutor. While we have yet to receive the official decision, we say with certainty that we respect the law and due process and we will continue to do so regardless of the outcome,” Vargas said.
Vargas said the family remains determined to fight for their child.
“Hindi pa po dito nagtatapos ang laban (The fight does not end here). Thank you for all your prayers,” he added.
The Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila dismissed the complaint for alleged violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, citing insufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.
The complaint was filed by Vargas and his wife, Yasmine, against businessman Rob Sy and his wife, Juvelle Bacosa, following allegations involving the supposed bullying of their child.
Sy welcomed the dismissal and maintained that the accusations against his family lacked basis.
In a separate statement, Sy said prosecutors found “no sufficient evidence or prima facie case” to support the filing of criminal charges and described the allegations as speculative.
“Mula pa lamang sa simula, nanindigan kami na ang reklamong ito ay isang kalkuladong ‘narrative reversal (From the very beginning, we maintained that this complaint was a calculated ‘narrative reversal),’” Sy said.
He also defended his son against the allegations and thanked supporters and legal counsel who stood by their family during the proceedings.
Despite the dismissal of the child abuse complaint, legal disputes between the parties remain ongoing. Sy continues to face a separate cyberlibel complaint filed by Vargas and his wife.
