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CHR says Sotto's 'na-ano lang' joke 'sexist, discriminatory'


The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday slammed Senator Tito Sotto for his “sexist and discriminatory” joke about Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo being a solo parent during her confirmation hearing.

In a statement, the CHR said Sotto’s joke was “unnecessary, uncalled for, and inappropriate,” and portrayed women as “objects of pleasure who end up getting pregnant.”

“It shows the Senator’s insensitivity to the everyday and multiple burden that women face including unpaid care work and which are compounded for women who raise their children on their own,” the CHR said.

“Such comment contributes to the stigma and prejudice that solo parents face, including those faced by children borne of single parents,” it added.

During her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Taguiwalo was asked by Sotto whether she was single. Taguiwalo replied that she has two daughters.

Sotto then said that, "[I]n the street language, when you have children and you are single, ang tawag lang ay na-ano lang,” which drew laughter from those present in the room.

The CHR found Sotto’s joke “deplorable,” especially coming from a senator.

“The incident shows how those charged by law to protect women from discrimination, often forget and unwittingly become promoters of discrimination themselves,” it said.

Sotto had already apologized for the gaffe, saying his critics apparently did not get the joke.

"Ang premise ko, sabi ko nga, in the street language, 'di ba? Yun ang biruan sa kalsada. That’s why kung minasama nila, I'm sorry, I apologize. They don’t understand the joke," Sotto said.

But even if this were the case, CHR reiterated that public officials should be the one to protect women from discrimination.

“[W]e urge public officials to promote and protect women from discrimination and not to be perpetrators themselves. We reiterate what we have pointed out before that the usual excuse of humor at the expense of women’s dignity is simply unacceptable,” it said.

“Senator Sotto, as a member of the CA had no right to make the secretary the butt of his sexist joke for being a solo parent. In doing so, even in jest, the Senator discriminates and insults not only Secretary Judy but all women,” it added. —Erwin Colcol/KBK, GMA News

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