CHR calls out Laguna bets over ‘lap dance’ in campaign

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday admonished two local candidates for doing what appeared like a lap dance on a female audience and for violating health protocols during a campaign rally in Laguna.

In a press statement, CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia denounced the incident caught on a video showing 6Cyclemind vocalist Cabuyao councilor Tutti Caringal and Calamba Mayor Timmy Chipeco gyrating in front of the woman.

The candidates were also seen removing the face mask of the said supporter.

“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," De Guia said.

“Further, it breaks health protocols as set by the Commission on Elections and Department of Health, especially that the pandemic is not yet over,” she said.

De Guia reminded political aspirants that women should not be “objectified” and be used for entertainment to garner votes, saying they should always bear in mind the importance of respecting human rights as the country’s future leaders.

"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. Those in government, including those aspiring to be leaders, need to always bear in mind the primacy of respecting human rights," she said.

“Candidates must set an example for their followers to follow health protocols given that these are the same people that they aspire to serve and protect,” she added.

Chipeco said there was "nothing malicious" with their acts during the campaign.

"It was a joyous event. Nothing malicious. Everybody was laughing. There was no malice when the incident happened. Everyone was having fun and smiling. There was no aggrieved party. Walang nabastos," he said.

Caringal said no one was violated during the rally, which he described as "pure fun."

"If you watch the video closely, it was pure fun. Kung may na-violate doon, hindi magiging gan'un ang reaksyon ng tao, the crowd or even the person involved," he said.

"In the first place, wala naman sila doon. Wala sila sa eksena, hindi nila alam ang mood ng tao, and why should they dictate kung paano nga dapat magsaya ang tao? Kanya-kanyang pamamaraan 'yan kung paano gustong sumaya ang mga tao," Caringal added.

Earlier, the Gabriela Women's Party likewise denounced the incident and called out Caringal and Chipeco over their “distasteful” actions.—LDF, GMA News