When the briefs are too full, the piss of misogyny and sexism leak.
From March 1-31 every year, the country celebrates the National Women’s Month to commemorate the efforts and strengths of women throughout the decades. Figures that have contributed to the ever-changing rewrite of a definition of a woman. Yet, still somehow, out of 12 months, some just couldn’t resist to let the spotlight shine away from them.
The month started rocky. 4th District Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay explicitly shared the imagination that painted his mind even though no one asked, “Lastly, you know, once when I was in Shangri-La, I saw Anne Curtis. She is really beautiful. You know, a desire inside me welled up, I felt the heat, and I just imagined what could happen, but of course, that is only my imagination. But I think I cannot be charged for what I was able to imagine,”
From discoursing about Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment complaint, where her allegations of committed acts of sedition, political destabilization, and insurrection were laid, Suntay stressed on how the VP’s self-regard as the “designated survivor” was short in becoming an issue. This later on slid down to the flopped analogy that basically failed from the start.
In all aspects, I could not see how Rep. Suntay was able to connect the dots when the scenario he shared did not contain a single speckle of relation. Realizing mid-statement, he tried but evidently failed to downplay his explanation that they were mere products of his fantasies. While he was warm due to his lewd visions, I too felt the heat of disgust.
To purely and unapologetically state that in congress, knowing that the hearing was being broadcasted live to the nation, the boldness of his remarks poured from his pants. This wasn’t the first time Filipinos have witnessed the intrusive thoughts of politicians winning over their rationality.
Revisiting August 2024, the heated defense of Senator Robin Padilla also lit aflame in our eyes. The viral “in-heat” issue ignited the context of consent in marriage. “Mayroon kang sexual rights sa asawa mo. So halimbawa, Hindi mo naman pinipilit yung ‘in-heat’. So paano ‘yun kung ayaw ng asawa mo? So wala pong ibang paraan talaga? Para ma-ano yung lalaki, so paano ‘yun mambabae ka na lang ba?” Padilla thought he did something right there.
Why is it that when sexual urges are denied, infidelity becomes the backup plan? It’s as if women are used as shock absorbents rather than people who deserve genuine appreciation. And the mere fact that the senator kept being defensive of the “rights’’ of individuals over their partner tells the kind of occurrences happening behind closed doors.
“May ibang urge talaga ang mga lalaki.” he continued, passionately. It’s the kind of desire that is supposed to be kept under the sheets. Then again, I, too, have that urge—it’s the impulse of shutting up that sort of company towards women.
All of these happened within the offices of our government, with the eyes of the public directed to them. Without shame, Senator Jinggoy Estrada just had to take part in the game. Over a Senate Committee hearing for Elizabeth Means’ bid for Filipino citizenship to play for the Gilas, Estrada had to ask if the athlete had a Filipino boyfriend. “A friendly banter,” he said, but none were amused. Especially that his comment did not help with the image Suntay dawned this march.
They seem to have more interest in the lives of women rather than doing their job in the first place. These “friendly”, “non-harmful” quotes are not only neglecting the sole purpose of the month but are also dragging the reputation of the government in gender equality and women empowerment. Ignoring the hidden agenda will only further stick them down in the mud.
How can Filipinas trust the laws that are supposed to protect their rights when those who handle them cannot even comprehend it on the fundamental core? Their lips spoke what the mind kept replaying, there is no use if we are the ones who keep teaching the senators the wrongs and rights. From the intentional mishandling of public funds to the betrayal, misdemeanor of public trust, where else could they possibly disappoint us more?
Putting the blame on fashion, if you’re measuring the sheerness or the length of a woman’s clothing, then the fabrics aren’t the problem—it’s the mentality pushing boundaries to lust. Because I have to ask, why did it take you that long to count the inches of their attire but not catch yourself realizing the intent behind it?
Yes, Alvin Aragon, there is something sinful in the air; it’s your eyes looking beyond the covering. It’s not the debate whether the woman is fully clothed or not, even in school uniform, I had instances where I was catcalled out during public commute. Receiving comments and gazes I did not ask for, I could recall how I was put into an uncomfortable position.
They critically need to learn that not all opinions should be shared. The freedom of expression and speech do not excuse impudent behavior, especially when it is used to be offensive. Half-assed apologies do not have a place within legislation walls. What the politicos displayed showed a negative illustration. Giving off the impression that with their position in office, it permits a toleration towards sexual harassment.
Moreover, the events showed a clear violation to the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) which Suntay ironically aided in passing during his time as a former member of the Quezon City Council, showboating the wrong example to youth and the masses.
Furthermore, the moment you do experience such behavior, do not hesitate to reach out to your local Barangay VAW Desk or the PNP Women and Children Protection Center. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is also open to its hotlines. Call out lascivious sentiments and do not be afraid to speak up.
If you’re tired of hearing the same reflections of women in these types of situations, ask yourself why the same conditions keep happening despite resolutions. Because in leashing the beasts, the first thing you have to do is to let them clean up their piss.
