📷Gabriela Women’s Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas
Gabriela Women’s Party called on Senator Robin Padilla to attend anti-violence against women and children (VAWC) seminars and educate himself on women’s rights following his non-apology over insensitive remarks about consent within marriage. The party emphasized the alarming nature of such statements, especially from someone in a position to influence national laws.
“Paalala lang muli kay Senator Padilla na hindi sexual objects ang kababaihan at walang excuse o batas na dapat gamitin upang baliwalain ang consent sa pagitan ng magka-relasyon o mag-asawa,” stated Rep. Arlene Brosas. “His claim that men have sexual rights simply because they’re ‘in heat,’ likening them to dogs, is a troubling reinforcement of macho-patriarchal views. Perhaps it’s time for him to sit, stay, and educate himself on women’s rights.”
The senator recently indicated plans to file a resolution on alleged abuses by the New People’s Army, implicating Gabriela members. Rep. Brosas urged him to widen the investigation to include rampant cases of rape and sexual violence perpetrated by men in uniform in rural areas.
“Napakaraming kaso ngayon ng mga pulis at sundalo na nang-aabuso ng kababaihan tulad na lang ng nangyari kay Catherine Camilon, Fabel Pineda, at marami pang iba. Dapat yang tutukan ng mga mambabatas,” Rep. Brosas said. “We advise Senator Padilla to issue a genuine public apology and commit to understanding the plight of women and other marginalized sectors. Dapat maalam ang mga mababatas hinggil sa karapatang pantao, at hindi tagapagtaguyod ng maling impormasyon,” Brosas concluded.
Gabriela Women’s Party will introduce updated amendments to the Anti-Rape Law to ensure that rape victims receive the justice they deserve under the law.
