Comelec reaches out to Mocha Uson over 'sexually suggestive' jingle

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reached out to Manila city councilor bet Margaux “Mocha” Uson over her “sexually suggestive" campaign jingle.

In a letter to Uson signed by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, the poll body said that while political campaigns often aim to capture attention and engage voters, the electorate must be approached with messages that are direct to the point.

“Puns and double meanings may be used as literary devices in campaigns, but we hope that these are used not to distract from your political platform or skirt the line between accepted speech and obscenity, as we are in the context of elections,” the Comelec said.

The poll body was referring to Uson’s campaign jingle, which goes, “Cookie ni Mocha, ang sarap sarap” and “Ang cookie ni Mocha, bawat kagat, may malasakit at saya.”

(Mocha’s cookie is delicious; every bite of Mocha’s cookie is filled with care and joy.)

“Sexually suggestive elements in your campaign can detract from the serious discussions we need to have about policy, governance, and the future of our communities,” added the Comelec.

The Comelec, meanwhile, clarified that it is not demeaning Uson’s campaign platform but encouraged her to come up with an "age-appropriate" jingle.

“We do not want to belittle a campaign platform based on sexually positive themes. If this is your message to the constituency of the third district of Manila, then, by all means, we hope that you will proceed with your candidacy and campaign along those lines, albeit in a more deliberate manner with proper regard for age-appropriateness,” the Comelec said.

“Thank you for considering this request. We trust that you will reflect on the impact of your current campaign approach and make choices that elevate political participation and discourse,” the Comelec added.

Uson heeds Comelec's advice

In response, Uson said she has ordered her staff to “halt the use of the materials in question.”

“I appreciate the feedback from the Commission and the Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear & Exclusion in Elections (Task Force SAFE). I fully recognize the importance of maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate tone in all campaign communications.  We are currently reviewing all our content to ensure that it aligns with the standards of decency and appropriateness expected in public discourse and electoral engagement,” Uson said.

“Please be assured of our continued commitment to promoting meaningful dialogue on governance, policy, and the future of our communities. We remain hopeful that this campaign can contribute positively to the democratic process and inspire broader participation,” she added.

Uson is running for councilor for the Third District of Manila under standard bearer and former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

In 2018, Uson drew flak for promoting federalism or pederalismo in Filipino using Filipino names of private parts and chanted, "I-pepe, i-pepe, i-dede, i-dede... ipederalismo!" with her show co-host Drew Olivar gesturing to his crotch and his chest. —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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