Women’s groups and press advocates condemned K5 News FM anchor Jean Paul Generoso after he joked on air about raping a fellow reporter during coverage of a child abuse case.
Generoso, hosting the “11MBPS” program, repeatedly asked a female colleague if he could rape her so he could also be jailed, following her report that a father had been detained for assaulting his minor daughter.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called the remarks sexual harassment, stressing: “Rape is never a joke.” NUJP urged newsrooms to enforce zero‑tolerance policies.
“We note with concern the statement posted by the anchor “apologizing” for his behavior but without any mention of how he harassed the female radio reporter,” the NUJP said in a statement.
The Gabriela Women’s Party said the comments normalized rape and violated the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). The group noted the remarks were especially disturbing given the discussion of violence against women and children.
“Amid worsening cases of violence against women and children, everyone’s stance must be clear: rape is not a joke,” Gabriela said.
The incident has fueled calls for accountability in broadcast media and stronger safeguards against harassment in newsrooms. # (ZIA LUNA)
