Women’s rights group GABRIELA strongly condemned Senator Robinhood Padilla for his controversial remarks on spousal consent during a recent Senate hearing, calling his views a perpetuation of machismo and a blatant disregard for women’s rights.
GABRIELA Secretary-General Clarice Palce expressed outrage over the senator’s comments, which questioned a woman’s right to autonomy over her own body.
“The audacity to challenge a woman’s right to her own body is a glaring example of the deeply rooted machismo that continues to plague our society,” Palce stated. “Senator Padilla’s line of questioning not only disrespects women but also trivializes the serious issue of consent.”
Padilla, known for his conservative views, suggested during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media that a man may be tempted to pursue sexual relations with others when his spouse is not ‘in the mood’ to have sex.
“You have sexual rights over your spouse. So, for example, you don’t get to choose when they’re ‘in heat.’ So, what if your spouse doesn’t want it? There’s no other way? So, what, should the man just cheat?” the action-politician was quoted saying in Taglish.
GABRIELA reminded Padilla that consent is non-negotiable and must be respected in all circumstances, regardless of marital status. “A woman’s right to say ‘no’ is fundamental and absolute,” Palce emphasized.
The organization is calling for public officials to be held accountable for promoting misogynistic views and urges the public to stand against all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination.
“We strongly demand accountability and a retraction from Senator Padilla for his macho and dangerous statements!” Palce said in a statement.
Padilla is leading a Senate investigation into complaints of sexual harassment and abuse in the media industry following allegations against GMA-7 contractors by a young actor.
