An anchor of a radio station in Bacolod City was suspended for making rape jokes on air while a female reporter was reporting on a story.

The suspension came as the committee on women and children of the Bacolod City Council decided to open an inquiry into the incident.

During the broadcast on May 20, 2026, anchor Jean Paul Generoso could be heard making rape jokes several times.

He reportedly wanted to imply that, because the subject of the story their reporter was reporting on angered him, he would want to be in jail with the man in the story who was arrested for hurting his child (Read related story: https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114193/girl-rescued-from-own-father-in-bacolod-city/story/). 

One way this could happen, purportedly, is if a crime, like rape, were to be committed.

The jokes did not sit well with different groups, including the City Council.

“Hindi iyan pwede. You never joke on rape. Under the law, there should be a committee on decorum and investigation on cases on sexual harassment because, definitely, that is a sexual harassment case,” said Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Council’s committee on women and children.

Several women’s rights groups also expressed their disappointment, as well as the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines.

“Hindi dapat gamitin ang ganyang joke. Kung may makita kaming violation, we will refer this to our legal counsel,” said NUJP-NIR Chairman Chito Berjit, Jr.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Task force on Media Security emphasized the value of upholding professionalism in the workplace.

“I-observe natin ang ethical practice of journalism. Kung kailangan ng proteksyon, magkakaroon tayo ng security at threat assessment para kung ano ang tulong ng mabibigay natin sa mga kasamahan natin sa media,” said task force Executive Director Jose Torres, Jr.

In a statement, Generoso apologized for his actions.

The apology, however, did not stop his radio station from suspending him.

“We do promise rin sa aming listeners na nagte-take rin kami, especially sa admin, naka-take rin kami ng action. Whoever na magkasala, may sanction talaga,” said Rods Palma, the station manager.

Aside from being an anchor, Generoso is also the radio station's human resource manager.