Manila, Philippines- Gabriela Partylist emphasized on Wednesday, June 05, the importance of deep and comprehensive education related to sexual harassment and the concept of consent.
“We need comprehensive, widespread education – in our schools, workplaces and communities – on the meaning of consent, and creating an environment of mutual understanding and respect across genders,” she continued.
This follows an incident during a segment of the noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’ “Especially For You.”
According to House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene Brosas, although the male contestant did not intend to harass, what he did was a type of sexual harassment.
She stated that the male contestant clearly violated the personal space and boundaries of the female contestant without her consent. This violation highlights how deeply normalized such incidents are.
“The actions of the male contestant, even if unintentional, were a form of sexual harassment as they violated the personal space and boundaries of the female contestant without her consent,” said Rep. Arlene Brosas
“This highlights how deeply ingrained the normalization of such violations remains in our society.”
Gabriela Partylist also commended the host’s call-out of the incident and its explanation that the incident reflects a larger problem of the lack of understanding of consent and what constitutes sexual abuse.
“Too often, behaviors like unsolicited physical contact, catcalling, and other forms of sexual objectification are brushed aside as harmless or ‘boys being boys’. But the truth is these actions make women feel violated, disrespected and unsafe,” Brosas explained.
Gabriela reiterated its call for the full implementation of the Safe Spaces Act and mandatory gender sensitivity training programs.
The issue arose after a male contestant apparently kissed the female contestant without her consent.
This drew a reaction from the hosts of ‘It’s Showtime.’ Vice Ganda addressed it on the show itself, and it garnered various comments from netizens.
On June 2, the host said on his X Account that she would apologize to those affected by the incident after the female contestant clarified that the hosts’ reaction was wrong.
However, on June 4, Vice Ganda retracted his apology after personally talking to the two contestants and learning the truth.
Vice Ganda maintained that their call-out was not wrong.
The hosts of the noon time show assures that the two contestants are receiving psychological assistance after receiving backlash from netizen.
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