DUBAI- The news revolving the controversial love affair between singer Freddie Aguilar and his 16-year old girlfriend may have simmered down but Filipinos sharing varying views on the issue of May-December affair remain – at least on cyberspace.
From mundane or casual to extraordinary or superfluous, Filipinos have something to say about the 44-year age gap that comes between the lovers:
“Age doesnt matter, yes, but maturity does matter. If you define the age of maturity, not even close to 18. This starts after teenage years. She is still on a stage where hormones are manipulating her decisions. Very amazed at how her parents allowed her to have a “12 day vacation” with the old man,” wrote Danielle Que on the comments page in online magazine Rappler.
“It seems to me that this borders on pedophilia. But then again, who am I to impose my moral values to others?,” wrote CP Cook on the same web page.
“Who are complaining on Freddie’s love affair with a 16-year old girl? Not the girl herself. Not her parents. Not Freddie’s relatives, his children, especially. Freddie and GF are friends, close friends as in best friends, GF or BF. The laws in our land are oftentimes irrational and impractical, made up of, for and by the people who are insecure, irresponsible and using double-standards in dealing with issues. Here is a man who is not married at this time and has fallen in love with a girl who happens to reciprocate his feelings…. In paper and in our law, the girl is still a minor. But, admit it or not, there are thousands in our country and around the world who get married even at a younger age. As long as they respect each other and love each other, I think society should respect their rights to love and to choose their partners,” wrote Gintong Lahi.
Popular blogger Professional Heckler quipped, “Folk singer Freddie Aguilar, 60 has a 16-year-old girlfriend.Age gap: 44 years Take that Hugh Hefner!” He was referring to the famous Playboy founder known for marrying much younger women.
