DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality and Gabriela Southern Mindanao condemned misogynistic, sexualized and gender-based attacks against San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora following her participation in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The panel said political criticism should focus on the issues and actions of public officials, not their appearance, voice, gender or mannerisms.
“When political disagreement descends into attacks on a woman’s appearance, voice, gender or mannerisms, it ceases to contribute meaningfully to public debate,” the committee said in a statement.
The committee, chaired by Laguna 1st District Rep. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag, also urged public officials, political supporters, media organizations and citizens to reject misogyny and sexualized attacks, regardless of whom they target.
Condemning misogynistic attacks
Gabriela Southern Mindanao expressed solidarity with Zamora and condemned gender-based online harassment, misogynistic commentary and AI-generated content targeting the lawmaker.
Dr. Jean Lindo of Gabriela Southern Mindanao said the attacks should be viewed as an issue affecting women more broadly.
“It’s actually an affront to all women. You can consider that gender-based violence,” Lindo said, citing the prevalence of misogynistic memes and posts online.
Lindo said efforts to promote gender sensitivity and reduce gender-based violence should include calling out misogynistic online content.
She also defended Zamora’s right to express herself, regardless of others’ views on her mannerisms, clothing or way of speaking.
“Even if they don’t agree with her expressions, the way she talks, the way she dresses up, she still deserves respect from her political agency,” Lindo said.
Lindo also criticized describing Zamora’s conduct as flirtatious, saying such framing shifts the discussion away from the substance of her work.
“We should also look at the discourse and avoid these mischaracterizations about flirtation,” she said, adding that such perceptions constitute discrimination against Zamora and other women.
Call for accountability
Regarding AI-generated harassment, Lindo said people should be able to participate in public discourse without being subjected to hostile environments. She also called for stronger accountability.
“In terms of the system, there is a lack of accountability in governance,” Lindo said, arguing that gender equality, gender justice and accountability should be treated as governance standards.
She urged women experiencing similar attacks to know and defend their rights and support others facing harassment.
“We have to defend our rights. We have to defend other women,” Lindo said.
The House committee likewise urged the public to keep political debate centered on issues, arguments and actions. It said women in public service should not have to diminish themselves to avoid ridicule.
The committee said the issue extends beyond Zamora to all women who participate in public life and assume leadership roles, emphasizing the need for political disagreement without gender-based degradation or harassment.(davaotoday.com)
