Manila councilor candidate Mocha Uson said on Wednesday, April 9, that she has ordered her team to stop using campaign materials flagged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as “sexually suggestive.”
“In view of the issues raised, I have instructed my campaign team to immediately halt the use of the materials in question,” Uson said in a statement.
“We are currently reviewing all our content to ensure that it aligns with the standards of decency and appropriateness expected in public discourse and electoral engagement,” Uson added.
The Comelec’s Task Force SAFE earlier sent Uson a letter expressing concern over her campaign materials, including a jingle that repeatedly uses the phrase “cookie ni Mocha,” which the poll body warned could distract voters from “serious policy discussions needed during elections.”
In an open letter addressed to Uson, Bataan 1st District Rep. Roman expressed disappointment upon hearing the campaign jingle that included the lyrics “Cookie ni Mocha, ang sarap-sarap.”
While she acknowledged Uson’s efforts to raise funds for a breast cancer patient, the lawmaker said it was a missed chance to focus on meaningful issues and elevate the level of political discourse.
In response, Uson – a former entertainer and government official – acknowledged the need to maintain a respectful tone in political discourse.
“I fully recognize the importance of maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate tone in all campaign communications,” she said. “I assure that we are committed to promoting meaningful dialogue on governance, policy, and the future of our communities.”
Despite the controversy, Uson said her team remains focused on encouraging voter engagement.
“We remain hopeful that this campaign can contribute positively to the democratic process and inspire broader participation,” she added. (TCSP)
