Parents are often seen as their children’s first line of defense, especially in the Philippines, where family plays an important role in people’s lives. When a child is hurt or humiliated, many expect their parents to step in and offer protection. This expectation comes from the belief that family members should stand by one another, particularly during difficult times.

Parenthood comes with the responsibility of helping children navigate difficult experiences, including public criticism and humiliation. This responsibility becomes more challenging when the situation attracts widespread attention. Beyond protecting their children from harm, parents must also consider how their actions may affect their children's well-being.
Still, defending a child does not always mean confronting the people responsible. Some parents choose to address the matter privately to avoid making the situation worse. Others may remain silent while deciding how to respond. Although these choices can be reasonable, prolonged silence may also leave a child feeling unsupported, especially when they are already facing public judgment.
This discussion surfaced following the controversy involving Josh Aquino, the son of Kris Aquino and Phillip Salvador. After podcast hosts from Machong Chismisan made remarks mocking Josh and his disability, netizens called on both parents to respond. While several personalities publicly defended Josh, many questioned Salvador’s silence and urged him to speak up for his son.

While public figures may choose to keep family matters private, there is a difference between avoiding a public confrontation and providing no visible support. At the same time, outsiders cannot always know what conversations or actions may be taking place behind closed doors.

A parent’s silence is not automatically a sign of indifference, just as a public statement does not always prove genuine support. What matters most is whether a child feels protected, heard, and valued. In moments when someone is being humiliated, parents may not need to fight every battle publicly, but their children should never have to question whether they have someone standing beside them.