Palace backs DSWD’s bid to step into Freddie Aguilar’s love affair

FREDDIE Aguilar File Photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace on Sunday threw its support behind the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s effort to “reach out” to folk singer Freddie Aguilar’s 16-year-old girlfriend and her family.

Quoting DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said the agency was “reaching out to counsel the parents and the person concerned, the minor who is involved here.”

“This is part of their mandate to reach out to those affected in this issue,” he said in Filipino in the weekly Malacanang radio forum.

Coloma said he had also been told by Soliman that the DSWD would likewise “reach out” to the 60-year-old Aguilar.

The folk singer has been vocal — and adamant — about continuing his relationship with a minor, despite legal issues. Among them is the possible violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

“We are mandated by law to protect minors but we are approaching this with sensitivity, so dialogue is the mode,” Coloma quoted Soliman as telling him.

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