The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) slammed Cabuyao, Councilor Tutti Caringal, and Calamba Mayor Timmy Chipeco after giving a lap dance to one of their supporters obscenely at a campaign rally in Laguna province, something that became controversial last week.
Caringal – vocalist of Filipino rock band 6Cyclemind – can be seen in a viral video as those who attended their campaign sang. He even removed the face mask of the female attendee while overlaying the aforementioned as if he would kiss her.
“We condemn this incident as it is not only exploitative of women and demeans their inherent dignity, but it also debases the incumbent office, which the political aspirants hold,” said CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
“Further, it breaks [COVID-19] health protocols set by the Commission on Elections and Department of Health, especially that the pandemic is not yet over.”
It was only on April 1 when the Gabriela Women’s Party criticized Caringal and Chipeco for giving a lap dance to a female supporter at the event.
According to Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas, it is very distasteful mainly since it also contributes to the commonality of sexual harassment. It is also said that women are subjecting themselves to men in power in the name of entertainment.
CHR lambasts 6Cyclemind vocalist candidate in Laguna
In 2016, the Gabriela party list called out the use of election candidates by women dressed sexy while dancing in some campaigns in Laguna.
De Guia also reminded that women are not sexual toys during the election to get votes from the public as a gimmick.
“As the Gender Ombud, CHR takes this occasion to reiterate to the political aspirants involved and their party-mates that women are not sexual playthings to be objectified for the purposes of entertainment for the sake of garnering votes,” De Guia added.
“Those in government, including those aspiring to be leaders, need to always bear in mind the primacy of respecting human rights.”
Caringal, it seems, is not tolerating the criticism he has received and is still campaigning today in Laguna.
He said that he just smiled at the haters.
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