Alfred Vargas, nakipagpulong sa child rights groups sa gitna ng reklamo sa magulang ng umano’y bully

• Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas and wife Yasmine met with child rights advocates and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
• The meeting follows a criminal complaint filed by the couple against the parents of a minor who allegedly bullied their son
• Vargas cited international data showing the Philippines has one of the highest bullying rates globally
• The couple is also pursuing 20 counts of cyber libel against individuals involved in an alleged online smear campaign

Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas has taken a significant step beyond the courtroom in his fight against bullying, meeting with prominent human rights organizations to address what he describes as a pervasive national issue.

Following the filing of a criminal complaint against the parents of his son’s alleged bully, Vargas and his wife, Yasmine, convened with representatives from the Child Rights Network (CRN), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and the Child Rights Center. The meeting focused on strengthening the country’s response to school-age harassment and physical harm.

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“Malinaw. Klarong-klarong usapan. Taos-puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa Child Rights Network (CRN), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), at Child Rights Center sa kanilang suporta sa ating kampanya laban sa bullying,” Vargas shared in a social media post.

The discussion was reportedly marked by heavy emotions as the couple engaged with advocates. During the meeting, Vargas highlighted data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which identifies the Philippines as having one of the highest bullying rates in the world. According to the data, over one-third of Filipino students experience bullying on a weekly basis.

“Napagkaisahan nating magtulungan para palawakin ang pagtugon sa bullying. Ito ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan—ito ay responsibilidad nating lahat,” Vargas stated.

The legal battle began on April 13, when the couple filed a complaint against the parents of a minor who allegedly targeted their son during swimming training. The filing claims the minor repeatedly submerged their son in the pool and recently pushed him near the pool's edge, nearly causing a serious injury.

Furthermore, the family is dealing with the digital aftermath of the incident. On April 20, they filed 20 counts of cyber libel against several individuals. Vargas noted that these legal actions were necessary to counter a persistent smear campaign and "maling paratang" (false accusations) that have caused significant distress to his children over the past few months.

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Alfred Vargas is married to Yasmine Vargas, also known as Yasmine Espiritu, who is often noted for her resemblance to Marian Rivera. Together, they have built a close-knit family and are parents to four children: Alexandra Milan, Aryana Cassandra, Alfredo Cristiano IV, and Aurora Sofia. Their relationship has drawn admiration from many, especially for their strong family values and the way they balance public life with private responsibilities.

In separate news, Yasmine Vargas shared a heartfelt tribute dedicated to her husband Alfred Vargas in celebration of Husband Appreciation Day. In her message, she praised him for being a consistent source of strength, love, and stability within their family. She also highlighted his dedication as a father and partner, emphasizing how he supports them through life’s challenges. Her post resonated with many netizens, who expressed admiration for their relationship and the values they uphold.

Meanwhile, Yasmine Vargas also filed 20 counts of cyberlibel amid an ongoing family controversy linked to allegations circulating online. The issue reportedly stemmed from a bullying complaint involving her son, which led to the spread of claims she described as false. She explained that pursuing legal action was necessary to protect her family and seek justice. Yasmine also appealed to the public to practice kindness and responsibility online, urging people to avoid contributing to further harm or misinformation.

Source: KAMI.com.gh