‘Shaming’ in TV show / Carnapping non-bailable

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

The Philippine Commission on Women has expressed its concern over the actions of the hosts of noontime show “Eat Bulaga” who the PVW said, “hastily indicted and stereotyped a female contestant who previously went through various kinds of abuses.” 

“The PCW strongly denounces all forms of victim blaming and shaming as such act promotes the culture of misogyny that justifies and normalizes abuses against women,” the commission said in a statement emailed to the Northern Philippine Times.

           In one of its segments on July 9, Katrina Conde, a solo parent of four children and recipient of the "SugodBahay" contest, was reported asked by the hosts to share her life story, highlighting the reasons behind her separation from her estranged husband.

“As Conde recounted her story and admitted her occasional drinking sessions with friends, not to mention her way of wearing clothes and being friendly to other colleagues,” the hosts, the PCW said, “began pressing, berating, accusing her of being guilty, if not held her responsible for her misfortunes. One even commented that “Ka-bababeng tao mo pa naman, pa-shot-shot ka."

“The hosts also crossed the line when they weren’t content with the line of questioning towards Conde and even asked her to re-enact the way she pleaded to win her husband back, in a way reliving her pains.

“These are clear examples of victim blaming and shaming which can be likened to fault-finding against rape and sexual harassment victims who were blamed for wearing sexy outfits, getting drunk or walking alone in dark streets.

Women should never carry the guilt and blame and likewise restrict their freedom and desires. Women should live equally with men.”

The PCW said while the hosts may have had good intentions in giving advice, the program should also be cautious and ensure that they are not exposing the victim to further harm and vulnerability.

“The PCW appeals to all media employees, producers, talents and writers, especially those of “Eat Bulaga” to uphold its Code of Ethics and likewise observe gender sensitivity at all times, as mandated by the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) Section 16 which calls for the non-derogatory and discriminatory portrayal of media.”

“Eat Bulaga” is the longest-running noontime television program in the country and has a wide reach and following of audience of all ages, race, religion and sex. The program hosts should realize that their language and actions will have an effect on how their viewers think and act. Hence, they should be more conscientious in what they say and do, so as not to reinforce gender biases in our society.

“The PCW trusts that the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the lead agency mandated to promote a value-based media and entertainment culture will ensure that the issue will be resolved in a manner that upholds the dignity of women.”

Last week, the MTRCB summoned the officials of “Eat Bulaga” for a dialogue over the issue.

The MTRCB is a member of the Media and Gender Equality Committee (MGEC), in Inter-Agency body created under the Magna Carta of Women tasked to lead in ensuring the non-derogatory and non-discriminatory portrayal of women in media and film.

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Carjacking is now a non-bailableoffense. The proposed measure imposing stiffer penalties against carjacking and making it a non-bailable offense if evidence of guilt is strong is now a law.

House Bill 4544, is now a  law under the Duterte administration. The new Anti-Carnapping Act or Republic Act 10883 repealed RA 6539 that was passed in 1972.

The bill was transmitted to Malacañang before former president Benigno Aquino III stepped down last June 30 and under the Constitution, the chief executive has 30 days to sign or veto a measure approved by Congress or it would lapse into law.

Sen. Grace Poe, the chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs in the 16th Congress and sponsor of the measure, said the new law was expected to help deter commission of the crime.

“It is our hope that this new and comprehensive anti-carnapping law imposing much stiffer penalties, alongside strict implementation by our law enforcers, will hinder the commission of this crime and give vehicle owners peace of mind,” Poe said in a statement.

Under the new law, a person found guilty of carjacking would be penalized with 20 to 30 years imprisonment.

RA 6539 or the existing Anti-Carnapping Act imposes the penalty of imprisonment ranging from 14 years and eight months to 17 years and four months only.

         If violence, intimidation or use of force is used in the commission of the crime, the person found guilty will be imprisoned for 30 years and one day to 40 years under the new law.

It also states the following: When the owner, driver or occupant of the carjacked motor vehicle is killed or raped, the perpetrator will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Any person involved in the concealment of the crime of carjacking will be imprisoned from six to 12 years and fined with the acquisition cost of the motor vehicle, engine or any other part involved in the violation.

Public officials involved in carjacking also face dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from public office.

The Land Transportation Office will also be required to keep a permanent registry of motor vehicles, motor vehicle engines, engine blocks and chassis of all motor vehicles stating the type, make, serial numbers as well as the names and addresses of the vehicles’ present and previous owners.

Tampering of serial numbers and transfer of vehicle plates without approval from the LTO will also be considered a criminal act under the new law.

The sale of used spare parts obtained from a carjacked vehicle is now also a prohibited act.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Poe noted that there were 3,170 carjacking cases from January to June 2014.