Women's group on Mocha's 'ipederalismo' dance: Don't use women's bodies to win political points

A women's rights group, Everywoman, on Tuesday denounced Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson over the controversial "federalism" dance shown in her blog.

"She has sexualized the issue of the proposed shift to federalism with her recent blog and online game show. She doesn't get it," Everywoman said in a statement.

"You don't use women's bodies to make arguments, sell products or win political points. When you do, you continue to encourage everyone to treat us as sex objects," the group added.

Everywoman pointed out that Uson's "latest stunt on federalism" only showed that the "move for charter change is so deeply flawed and useless that she has to sell it as if it is an overpriced car."

Uson has been criticized by the public, including lawmakers, after the co-host in her "Good News Game Show" performed a lewd dance that has been criticized as vulgar while chanting "I-pepe, i-pepe, i-dede, i-dede, pepe pepe pederalismo."

President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, was "cool" about Uson's latest controversy, noting that it was part of freedom of expression.

Uson, meanwhile, pointed out that no government budget was spent on the controversial dance video. She also hit back at senators who lambasted her, accusing them of cheating in the 2016 polls.

Meanwhile, Everywoman joined the call to remove Uson from her position in the government as well as to reduce the budget of the PCOO to zero amid the issue.

"This administration seems adept at attacking and firing women with high credentials and great competence while hiring and rewarding people like Uson who have shown their incompetence over and over," the group said.

"In the light of another unbelievable gaffe on the part of the PCOO, we also protest its request to increase its budget. We suggest the budget be reduced to zero," it added. — BAP, GMA News