UNICEF Philippines now involve in the Willing Willie controversy

Willing Willie and Willie Revillame is facing another controversy with a 6 year old boy dancing like a "macho dancer". Some celebrities who watched the video on Youtube, find the whole scene as a "child abuse".

The child's parents already said that they will not file any complains because it's part of their son's "talent". They also said that they will support their son whatever he want to fulfill his dream.Jan-jan's  mother cried as people calling them "pabaya at masamang magulang" (irresponsible and bad parents).

Willie also explained his side last night in his show, he felt that some of his enemies are making up stories just to bring him and his show down. He also said that some people are talking to some sponsors of his show to pull out because of the issue. 

Today, UNICEF Philippines released a statement about the issue, clearly they are supporting those people who wanted fair justice for the child's humiliation. They are now calling the attention of Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas, they pointed out laws on protection and treatment of children on television.  

The Protection of Children on Reality TV shows  

by UNICEF Philippines on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:56am

This statement is in response to the many enquiries we have received in relation to the six year old boy who was subjected to ridicule and humiliation on the primetime show ‘Willing Willie’ on TV5.
UNICEF fully supports the actions taken by the DSWD and Commission on Human Rights and other concerned groups to ensure the child’s right to protection from exploitation and abuse and to counsel the family involved in this incident.
UNICEF is also advocating for the media, particularly for the broadcast TV networks, to take a careful look at the values and behaviors that are being promoted in some of their programs.
Under Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most widely adopted human rights treaty in the world, it states that:

• Children must be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
• The CRC also provides for prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.

In the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Broadcast Code of 2007, Article 11 on Children’s Programs and Welfare provides for:

• The airing of programs that would help children to develop to their full physical and mental and social potential shall be encouraged.
• Programs shall not depict inappropriate sexual subjects or violent actions
• No material that are physically, mentally, morally and psychologically harmful to children shall be aired 

The power of television to influence and shape public attitude and opinion is incomparable. UNICEF is willing to work with concerned agencies and institutions to promote best practices on how children should be treated and depicted both as guests and actors in the media.