“Maraming problema, maraming usaping legal at hindi legal na babalik at babalik ka pa rin talaga doon sa pamilya, sa mga relasyon ng nanay-tatay, tatay-nanay, mga anak at mga magulang, kaya pangalagaan natin ang ating mga pamilya.”
This poignant reflection by Boy Abunda, alongside sibling co-hosts Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, set the stage for an emotional Father’s Day episode of ‘CIA with BA’ on June 16. The episode featured a heart-wrenching case involving a father and son who have been estranged due to years of abuse.
In the segment ‘Case 2 Face,’ Romel recounted the painful memories of his father, Tatay Ronald, who had been abusive since his childhood.
“Simula noong bata ako, mahilig ho siyang manakit. Kahit hanggang ngayon ho, ‘pag nakakainom. Kaya ho ako lumayas do’n sa amin, umiwas ako sa kanya,” Romel shared.
“Panay ang pananakit ‘pag nakakainom, panay sumbat ng mga itinutulong [at] pati pagkamatay ng kapatid ko, sa akin isinisisi,” he added, highlighting the compounded emotional abuse he endured.
In his defense, Tatay Ronald explained that his intentions were always for Romel’s good, including his disapproval of Romel’s part-time job playing scatter slots, an online casino game.
“Magbago siya para magbago rin ang kinabukasan ng anak niya — apo ko — saka sarili niya mismo,” the father said, emphasizing his concern for Romel’s and his grandson’s future.
Tatay Ronald also clarified that he does not hold Romel responsible for the death of his other child.
“’Di ko naman siya sinisisi. Ang gusto ko lang, ‘wag niyang pabayaan. ‘Di ko makaya, pati pagbantay nga sa ospital, tatlong buwan kami sa NKTI, wala siyang maitulong,” he said, expressing a mix of frustration and sorrow.
In a powerful moment of reconciliation, Tatay Ronald faced Romel and asked for his son’s forgiveness, acknowledging the hurt he caused. Romel, in turn, sought his father’s forgiveness for not fulfilling the dreams his father had for him.
“Patawad kasi ‘yung ine-expect niyong pangarap para sa’kin, hindi ko natupad. ‘Di ko kayo nabigyan ng magandang buhay na dapat ‘yung kapatid ko ang gagawa no’n,” he said. “Pasensya kasi napabayaan ko si Ronamel nung nagkasakit. Patawad kasi naging bulakbol, hindi na nag-aral, pala-bisyo. Lahat ‘yon pinagsisisihan ko na.”
In a gesture of reconciliation and hope for a new beginning, Romel invited his father to move in with him and stay at his current residence for good.
As the segment concluded, Alan, Pia, and Boy gave assurance that they would support Tatay Ronald, Romel, and his child in starting afresh, assisting with livelihood and vocational education.
‘CIA with BA’ upholds the legacy of Senator Rene Cayetano, the esteemed father of the sibling senator-hosts. A distinguished lawyer, the senior Cayetano gained prominence through his radio and TV program ‘Compañero y Compañera,’ which aired from 1997 to 2001.
‘CIA with BA,’ hosted by Alan, Pia, and Boy, airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.