It is not uncommon for two women who love the same man in different ways to have a strained relationship.
However, the conflict between two women during the recent episode of “Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda” aired on May 21, 2023, on GMA 7 proved to be particularly challenging, and Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano had to navigate a complicated relationship worsened by rumors.
The focal point of the episode’s “Case 2 Face” segment was a woman (“Kristina”) and the mother (“Elizabeth”) of her partner with whom she has a child.
According to Kristina, Elizabeth was spreading false stories about her, including that she had been seen holding hands with multiple men. Elizabeth said she suspected the men to be connected to Kristina’s job as a hostess at Japanese and Korean KTV bars.
Senator Alan said it appeared that Elizabeth was intentionally spreading these claims against Kristina to protect her son.
“Clarify natin y’un: kayo mismo nagkakalat n’un. Parang tinitira mo na reputation niya. Although… pwede mong sabihin, ‘Pinoprotektahan ko lang ang anak ko.’ But y’ung paraan ng pagprotekta mo, sinisiraan mo siya. Iyon ang sinasabi ni (Kristina), may karapatan siya sa batas,” he said.
Turning to Kristina, Senator Alan said while she has the right to protect her reputation, she must also understand where Elizabeth was coming from as both of them are single mothers.
He added that whatever decision Kristina will take with her relationship with Elizabeth’s son, she should always respect Elizabeth as her child’s grandmother.
“Kung ano man mangyari sa inyo, respeto din sa nanay niya. Kahit may relasyon, kahit wala, lola siya ng anak mo,” he said.
For her part, Senator Pia focused on the hurtful words Elizabeth had directed toward Kristina. She discussed the criteria for defamation, highlighting the importance of the content, public nature, malicious intent, and damage to the other party’s reputation.
“Pagka siniraan mo ang ibang tao, kailan y’un magiging krimen? Krimen y’un kung y’ung sinabi mo, y’ung lumabas sa bibig mo, para kang may sinasabi kang may ginawa siyang krimen, may kundisyon o status na hindi maganda,” Senator Pia said.
Senator Alan warned that engaging in gossip and spreading false information could lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment.
“Take note ha: just because uso ang pagiging Marites, hindi ibig sabihin hindi ka pwedeng ma-barangay o mapakulong dahil criminal offense ang manira ng kapwa,” he said.
The matter was ultimately resolved amicably, with Senator Alan offering financial support to Kristina to help her transition to a new job and support her family. He expressed hope that the assistance would set her on a sustainable path, as her current job was not seen as a viable long-term option.
This outcome exemplifies the show’s goal of resolving personal conflicts while educating viewers about the law.
“Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda” airs every Sunday at 11:30 PM on GMA 7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 PM on GTV. The show serves as the successor to the TV and radio show “Compañero Y Compañera” hosted by the late Senator Rene “Compañero” Cayetano, the sibling senators’ father.
