Judge in Ai-Ai delas Alas case issues gag order

JED Salang and Ai-Ai de las Alas during happier times. BANDERA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City court on Wednesday ordered comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas and her estranged husband businessman Jed Alvin Salang to refrain from making any public comments on a case involving the two of them.

Both parties immediately complied with the order of Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 94,  replying “No comment” and “Gag order” to questions from reporters asking them what happened during Wednesday’s court hearing of a charge of violation of the anti-violence against women and their children act of 2004 filed by Delas Alas against Salang and a a permanent protection order (PPO) sought by the actress.

Tria had issued last month a temporary protection order against the car dealer after Delas Alas filed on May 24 a petition seeking to prevent Salang from coming within 100 meters of her, members of her family as well as staff and other household members.

The court order also prohibits any form of communication by Salang through text messages, phone calls, or e-mails with Delas Alas, who made the request for the TPO on the claim that she was afraid of what her estranged husband might do to her and members of her household.

The comedienne had included in her petition a prohibition on Salang discussing their previous relationship, including their short-lived marriage, in the media and on the Internet.

The TPO was for 30 days only but would automatically be renewed after it lapses if the judge hasn’t yet resolved the petition by then.

Delas Alas alleged in her complaint  that she was subjected to physical abuse by Salang on several instances before and after they were married. The couple got married on April 3 at a civil wedding in Las Vegas, Nevada, and separated on May 2.

Delas Alas claimed she ended their marriage following a violent fight  with Salang over where to celebrate their first “monthsary.”