Content warning: The article below contains mentions of abuse.
The story of domestic helper Elvie Vergara and her alleged abuse by the hands of her employers has recently shaken netizens on social media, with many of them prompted to lend a helping hand.
Among them is Filipina actress and TV host Isabelle Daza, who launched a fundraising campaign for Elvie that garnered a total of P1 million in donations.
READ: Isabelle Daza Raises P1 Million for Allegedly Abused Domestic Helper
In September, the 35-year-old personality started a GoGetFunding page to raise funds for Elvie’s medical needs and eye operation. Isabelle encouraged her followers to spare even small amounts for her initial goal of P300,000, to which many of the Philippines’ known personalities favorably responded to.
“God bless you @isabelledaza this is amazing. Been following this case,” actress Sofia Andres wrote. Among those who also expressed their support in the comments section included Laureen Uy, Rajo Laurel, Andi Manzano, Cristalle Belo, and Georgina Wilson.
Ten days later, the fundraising surpassed more than three times its initial goal, garnering more than P1 million from 844 donors. As an update, Isabelle shared a video of her meeting Elvie, personally handing her a manager’s check with the amount raised.
“Isang milyong piso po ito para sa'yo, para po sa medical needs niyo sa future,” Isabelle told Elvie. “Gusto ko lang sana ibigay sa'yo personally kasi 'yung mga followers ko po at 'yung mga tao na nag-donate, pinagkatiwalaan ho ako sa perang ito. At sinabi ko sa kanila na ibibigay ko po 'yun sa'yo.”
Elvie Vergara’s story of alleged abuse became the subject of public discussions, after it was detailed that the domestic helper experienced years of reported maltreatment by her employers in Mindoro, which allegedly resulted in fractures, facial deformities, and blindness.
An initial statement from her employer France Ruiz denied the domestic helper’s allegation and claimed that she had stolen P2000 and P12,000 from them. However, Senator Jinggoy Estrada had said in an earlier statement that her alleged tormentors must still face sanctions. According to the Commission on Human Rights, a motu proprio investigation is currently being undertaken by the CHR Region IV-B office.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
