Sen Risa Hontiveros Slams Haters of Noven Belleza's Alleged Rape Victim, Warns of Cyberbullying Charges

Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the haters of the alleged rape victim of Noven Belleza, the grand champion of It’s Showtime's 'Tawag ng Tanghalan' (TNT) at ABS-CBN. The Akbayan senator also warned them of the possibility of being charged with cyberbullying. This is after she learned that many netizens have been siding with the 22-year old singer.



According to many commentators, it's very likely that the 19-year old victim only wants money from Belleza, who won P2 million in cash, a recording contract, a brand-new house and lot, among others, after being the first ever TNT grand champion. Some of them are also questioning why she went with him inside the condo during the early morning hours.

As reported earlier, Noven Belleza allegedly raped the victim, whose identity remains withheld, last Saturday, July 15, at around 2 am inside a condo in in Brgy Lahug, Cebu City. The said incident happened a less than 24 hours before the suspect performed in Vice Ganda’s "Pusuan Mo si Vice Ganda" concert, at the IEC Pavilion in Brgy. Mabolo.

At around 11 pm, after his guest performance, a citizens' arrest was made to Belleza by the victim's family. A few hours later, he was rushed to the hospital after he complained of chest pain. This tuesday, Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Casiño lowered his rape case to sexual assault. Nevertheless, Sen.Hontiveros condemned the victim's haters.

Must Read: * Noven Belleza Rape Case Downgraded to Sexual Assault, Allowed to Post P120,000 Bail

"Yan ang problema sa social media. Maraming makikitid ang utak, at mapanghusga kahit hindi pa alam ang totoong nangyari. Tandaan natin, walang matinong babae na sasabihin na na-rape siya o naging biktima ng sexual assault kung hindi totoo. Higit sa lahat, hindi porket mayaman at sikat, imposible nang maging rapist." She told reporters this Tuesday.



Sen. Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, also reminded all Filipino netizens the existence of Republic Act 10627 (RA10627), also known as the Anti Bullying Act of 2013, which also covers "Cyber-bullying or any bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means."

Contributed by Karenina Saulo