Through the years, countless sexist and misogynistic remarks have been spewed out by men, specifically government officials. Disgusting enough, these officials were the ones appointed for the so-called betterment of the country, yet they were continuously showing us unacceptable acts that definitely offended the community.
It is a real harsh reality that even if women have been in government positions, misogyny and sexism still exist. Recently, both Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay made their way to spread toxicity during Women’s Month.
Disrespectful as it is, these two had the audacity to speak offensively towards women. With Suntay talking about his dirty mind towards actress Anne Curtis, and Estrada’s lewd remarks towards Gilas Pilipinas Women’s player Elizabeth Jeanette Means, asking her whether she has a Filipino boyfriend.
The thing is, these remarks were just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past years, the streak of male government officials being sexist and misogynistic is still alive. Let alone recalling how Christian “Ian” Sia, a congressional candidate in Pasig City, made a sexist joke during a campaign. “Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa – Nay, malinaw, nireregla pa – at nalulungkot, minsan sa isang taon, puwedeng sumiping ho sa akin,” even if he treats this statement as a joke, this is a highly offensive joke, especially to women who are solo parents. After all, this backfires on Sia, putting his candidacy at risk.
Ironically enough, some who chose to spill out some highly sexist remarks are still in position until now. Take Sen. Robin Padilla as an example, a public office jerk who kept on being toxic in front of the Filipino people. His statement on sexual rights is controversial enough, low-key enabling force sex to one’s partner to release their sexual urges. This alone is quite disturbing, as the matter can already be considered rape, crossing the line to women’s right to refuse having intercourse with their partner.
The mentioned instances of sexism are only a few compared to the countless disgusting remarks by former President Rodrigo Duterte. “I was angry because she was raped, that’s one thing… but she was so beautiful, the mayor should have been first,” toxic and disgusting, even if he considers this a joke, no rape joke should be considered as one. Let alone Duterte saying that women are not fit for higher positions, such as the presidency, towards her own daughter already shows how toxic he is.
The sensitivity of the subject to be a laughing matter, and him objectifying women already shows how unfit he is for leadership, together with the jerks like him mentioned above. Being a government official with high responsibility and being a sexist, misogynistic individual makes you a sore in the society.
Everyone, not only women, doesn’t deserve having such a public leader who is supposed to be the one fighting for everybody’s rights. No public official should be spitting foul statements towards women and get away with it. The toxic masculinity of a kind is supposed to be not welcome to any government agency the country has. No women should face any discriminatory, offensive, and sexual remarks, especially from a high profile official.
Awoman is a woman, not something that could be a source of sensual jokes and dirty minds. And with that, to all men who decided that sexism and misogyny should spread out, well then, you are always will be toxic.
Written by Crossroads, Insight PH
Crossroads, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
