Child abuse raps filed vs. Freddie Aguilar

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer who earlier filed a qualified seduction complaint against Freddie Aguilar is now accusing the veteran folk singer of committing child abuse for having a relationship with a minor.

Lawyer Fernando Perito, as well as private citizens Peter Sesbreño and Christine Joy Bangalisan, also accused the parents of Aguilar’s 16-year old partner of corruption of minor.

Records show that Perito filed a motion before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, the day the 60-year old Aguilar married his girlfriend in Maguindanao under  to Islamic rites.

The motion seeks to amend the earlier qualified seduction complaint filed by Perito. It included a seven-page joint complaint-affidavit signed by the lawyer, Sesbreño, and Bangalisan.

During Monday’s hearing, Aguilar again failed to appear before investigating prosecutor Edgardo Saplala. The hearing was reset for the last time on Dec. 9.

According to Saplala, the complaint will be deemed submitted for resolution if the singer fails to attend the hearing for the third time. Perito and the two other complainants were represented by lawyer Sherwin Casurao.

In their joint-affidavit, the three complainants accused Aguilar of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse law, when he “took advantage of his alleged popularity over a young minor.”

They said sexual abuse is occurring as the couple is already living under one roof.

The complainants also submitted “promiscuous” photos of the couple that have been shared on social media site Facebook.

They argued that Aguilar used his money to exploit and abuse the teenager, whom they said needs to mature in a caring and proper environment.

They also cited Section 5 of the law, which prohibits child prostitution and other forms of sexual abuse.

“Children, whether male or female, who for money, profit, or any other consideration or due to the coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate or group, indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, are deemed to be children exploited in prostitution and other sexual abuse,” read the law.

“Promising a child of marriage, going out to attend in concerts or socials or giving in to all her needs are definitely ‘influencing’ (the minor),” said the complainants.

They also accused the teenager’s parents, whom were not identified in the complaint, of corrupting their child as they approve of the relationship.

The complainants said they decided to file the complaint to discourage and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Aguilar earlier defended the relationship and said that it was love at first sight.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Aguilar – who adopted the Muslim name Abdul Faried – said they decided to get married to stop their detractors from hurling criticisms at their relationship.

He said the teenager’s parents approved of their marriage.

Meanwhile, the teenager said she was happy with her decision to marry Aguilar, professing her love for the 60-year old singer.

The couple was able to marry under Islamic law by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1083, or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.

It provides that “any Muslim male at least fifteen years of age and any Muslim female of the age of puberty or upwards and not suffering from any impediment under the provisions of this Code may contract marriage.”

It added that “a female is presumed to have attained puberty upon reaching the age of fifteen.”

The teenager’s parents have written an authorization letter, indicating approval of the union.