TODAY, I am giving my space to the plea of the children of our friend, Dr. Leonardo Manabat Sr. (deceased).

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Please leave us alone

We are a private family. Recent events have hit like a thunderbolt. We are shaken to the core. We are under stress. The children in our clan are scrutinized as if they carry a stigma. Please spare them. Please spare us.

Our sister is under emotional suffering. She was subjected to public ridicule and humiliation. Any person would have succumbed under the tremendous pressure. We would like to tell her that we support her. We love her unconditionally. The love that our parents planted in our hearts among us siblings, shall pull us through.

We ask for privacy. Enough has been said especially on social media. We don’t need the attendant publicity. We ask for your empathy. Do not be judgmental. Let us talk of the good deeds of people, not their failings. Let us not concentrate on unfortunate situations. Please do not add to the problem. If you just be silent about it, then you have done your share. You become a part of the solution. If you do, our laughter in our family, gone for now, will come sooner, with your silence.

Dr. Leonardo M. Manabat Jr.

Dr. Genevieve M. Feliciano

Mr. Allan Karl M. Manabat