PCW criticises "Eat Bulaga!" hosts for victim-blaming
22 Jul - The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has considered Tito Sotto and Jose Manalo's recent comments about a contestant's experience to be stereotypical and a clear example of victim blaming.
As reported on ABS-CBN News, the commission released a statement and condemned Sotto's previous remarks on his show, "Eat Bulaga", towards one Katrina Conde, who shared that a male friend took advantage of her when she was drunk.
Sotto suggested that Conde herself, a single mother of four children, should not have been drinking, saying, "That's all because of the drinking. You are a woman, and you're doing shots?"
Co-host Jose Manalo also added insult to injury by saying, "What were you wearing? You're wearing shorts, right?"
PCW stated, "These are clear examples of victim blaming and shaming which can be likened to fault-finding against rape and sexual harassment victims who were blamed for wearing sexy outfits, getting drunk or walking alone in dark streets."
"Women should never carry the guilty and blame and likewise restrict their freedom and desires. Women should live equally with men," it added.
PCW also stated that while they understand and praised the show for its good intention in giving advice, the program should also be cautious and ensure that they are not exposing the victim to further harm and vulnerability.
"The program hosts should realise that their language and actions will have an effect on how their viewers think and act. Hence, they should be more conscientious in what they say and do, so as not to reinforce gender biases in our society," it added.
The commission also reminded Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to uphold the Code of Ethics and the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) Section 16, which calls for the non-derogatory and discriminatory portrayal of media.
Sotto previously defended himself, saying that it was a simple reaction about how a married woman should not have been drinking shots at night with other men.
(Photo source: inquirer.net)
