Risa Hontiveros, may prangkang pahayag ukol sa umano’y pambabastos ng TNVS driver kay Xyriel Manabat

• Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned the alleged harassment of actress Xyriel Manabat after a TNVS driver reportedly posted a photo of them together with lewd comments online
• Hontiveros emphasized that such behavior constitutes a criminal offense under Philippine laws, including the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law
• She highlighted the responsibility of transport providers to ensure passenger safety and criticized the notion that being a public figure makes one fair game for online abuse
• The senator called on the public to actively oppose harassment and uphold basic standards of respect and decency

Senator Risa Hontiveros has issued a stern condemnation over the alleged harassment of actress Xyriel Manabat, following a viral incident involving a Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver. Hontiveros emphasized that such acts are not only offensive but are criminal offenses punishable under existing Philippine laws.

The controversy erupted after a TNVS driver allegedly posted a photo of himself and Manabat online, accompanied by lewd and inappropriate comments. Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, pointed out that a legal framework to address such behavior is already in place.

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“Mariin nating kinokondena ang pambabastos kay Xyriel Manabat,” Hontiveros stated in a recent statement addressing the social media post.

She added, “Sa ilalim ng Bawal Bastos Law, bawal ang anumang sexuaI harassment—pribado man, sa kalsada, sa loob man ng sasakyan, at kahit online. Malinaw na paglabag ito sa batas.”

According to Hontiveros, the perpetrator may be held specifically liable for gender-based online harassment. Under the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law, such actions carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines.

Hontiveros also reminded transport providers of their duty to protect passengers, particularly in incidents involving drivers in positions of trust. “May pananagutan din ang mga driver ng TNVS at PUV na panatilihing ligtas ang kanilang mga pasahero at umaksyon kapag may nang-aabuso,” she added.

The senator further challenged the notion that being a celebrity makes one fair game for online abuse. She noted that Manabat is not the first public figure to endure such treatment, citing similar instances involving other high-profile women in the industry.

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“Dagdag pa dyan, ang pagiging public figure ay hindi pahintulot para bastusin ang sinuman. Tulad ng nangyari rin kina Anne Curtis, Angel Aquino, Queen Hera, at iba pang mga artista, hindi porke’t kilala ka, pwede ka nang bastusin, kahit sa comments section pa ng social media,” Hontiveros remarked.

In closing, she called on the public to take an active stand against the normalization of harassment, stressing that basic decency should never be up for debate.

“Huwag tayong manahimik o magbulag-bulagan sa harassment tulad nito. Respect is the bare minimum and should be non-negotiable,” Hontiveros concluded.

Xyriel Manabat is a highly acclaimed Filipina actress who first rose to prominence as a child star, notably through the hit series 100 Days to Heaven. After taking a break from showbiz, she successfully transitioned into more mature roles, earning praise for her performance in Dirty Linen. Known for her strong emotional depth and versatility, she is regarded as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Earlier, Xyriel has vowed to take action against a TNVS driver who allegedly posted lewd comments online. Fans flagged the driver’s account after he shared a selfie with the actress accompanied by indecent remarks. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Manabat said she was shocked that a routine ride turned into a negative experience despite her showing kindness. Grab Philippines confirmed it is investigating the incident and reiterated its strict policy of zero tolerance for misconduct.

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Meanwhile, Grab Philippines issued an apology and suspended a driver over alleged misconduct involving actress Xyriel Manabat. The ride-hailing company said it coordinated directly with the actress and the authorities. The incident raised concern after reports emerged of inappropriate online posts by the driver. Grab also vowed to implement stricter safeguards and review its driver conduct policies moving forward.

Source: KAMI.com.gh