Bawal Bastos Law Resurfaces Amid SocMed Ruckus
- Wednesday
- Elle Takashi
Senator Risa Hontiveros reminds the public how advancing women’s dignity should be reaffirmed again and again, in light of the recent socmed ruckus involving women being objectified in online public spaces.
Last week, 4th District Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay made lewd comments about Anne Curtis, during his manifestation in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment hearing. Called out for using the actress as an illustration of his argument that mere thoughts cannot be charged or penalized, this prompted the House Committee on Justice to have Suntay’s manifestation stricken out from the official record of the proceedings.
Initiated by San Juan Rep. Bel Zamora, the motion to strike Suntay’s remarks from the record received 13 votes in favor, 2 against, and 2 abstentions.
This incident sparked online outrage, prompting female legislators and advocates to initiate moves against Suntay. Some raised awareness on the bigger pressing issues affecting women not only in their privilege speeches, but also in various social media platforms, where the issue gave birth to yet another online ruckus among netizens.
Senator Risa Hontiveros was one of those who did not let the issue pass without reiterating the advancement of women’s dignity and basic respect. As the principal author of the RA 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Law, she called out Rep. Bong Suntay for his lewd remarks against Anne Curtis. She also added that Suntay must apologize to Curtis and make the necessary amends to the latter, as there is absolutely no excuse for his repulsive remarks.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, through her official Facebook account, also raised awareness of the existence of the RA 11313 or Bawal Bastos Law, and how incidents such as what happened to Anne Curtis are the very reason why such a law exists.
