In time for Women’s Month, the sixth episode of the legal advice program ‘Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda’ (CIA with BA) saw Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano helping a woman navigate out of a sexually abusive relationship that has turned into a bitter financial row.
In her narration during the show’s ‘Case-2-Face’ segment, Fe (full name withheld) said she had already sought the help of the police and barangay officials for protection against sexual abuse from her partner Bernie.
Bernie, however, countered her claims and said it was Fe who has been using him financially and has carted away a huge chunk of his savings.
In order to help both parties resolve their issues, Senator Alan urged the former lovers to tell the truth after they shared conflicting narratives.
“Normal kasi na may maliit na inconsistencies. Having said that, mayroon kasing Latin term na ‘falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus’ at ang sinasabi nito ay ‘false in one thing, false in everything’ and it’s a technique to test someone’s credibility,” the Senator said.
Senator Alan pointed out that while Bernie alleged that Fe did not have any money before they met and that she went off with his savings, it appeared that she actually had a business years before they even met.
“Ibig sabihin, sa napakalaking inconsistency sa sinabi mo, baka magiba ang ibang arguments,” he said.
Since the case discussion mostly revolved on money issues, Senator Pia, for her part, firmly reminded Bernie that there is no room for violence against women.
“Kailangang tuldukan ang violence against women. Whether ikaw ay sexually or physically abused, kahit kayo ay nasa isang relasyon, posible pa rin na kayo ay ma-violate. So kapag sinabi ng babae sa iyo na ayoko niyan, ibig sabihin huwag mong gagawin sa akin iyan,” she said.
Senator Pia also pointed out that the country has a Marital Rape Law. “Kahit na mag-asawa, pwede ka pa rin kasuhan ng rape ng sarili niyang asawa. Kayo ay hindi kayo legal na mag-asawa, nagsama lang kayo, pero pasok pa rin iyan sa violence against women kung ang mga sinasabi mo talaga ay totoo,” she said.
With both parties unwilling to bend, the Cayetanos urged the ex-lovers to take the matter to court.
“Dapat matulungan natin sila na mabilis mahantong ito sa korte para matuldukan na ito. Dahil kung hindi, magbabalik-balik lang kayo sa barangay, sa mga kapitbahay, at mga kamag-anak ninyo,” Senator Alan said.
The show still ended on a positive note as the sibling Senators played Filipino parlor games with the studio audience in the ‘Alan, Pia, Pik’ segment. They also honored a group of community educators in the show’s ‘Salamat’ segment.
CIA with BA is the senators’ way of continuing the legacy of their late father Senator Rene Cayetano, who was known for his radio and television program “Compañero y Compañera” which aired from 1997 to 2001.
Like their father, the Cayetano siblings now address the people’s need for information and guidance regarding Philippine laws and how to apply them in real life situations.
CIA with BA, which the two senators co-host with King of Talk Boy Abunda, airs every Sunday at 11:30 p.m. on GMA, with replays on Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. on GTV. Stay tuned in for updates on social media via @cayetanoinactionwithboyabunda on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.
