CHR defends Mocha, journalist from slut-shaming

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights assailed those launching gender-based attacks against Filipino women, including Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and Rappler reporter Pia Ranada.

In a statement, the commission also criticized President Duterte for his recent remarks before Indian businessmen that made "virgins" as a come-on to promote tourism in the Philippines.

"Discrimination faced by women are expanding to online platforms—this usually stems from discussions on political and social issues that descend into misogynistic attacks and escalate into psychological violence such as online bashing, slut-shaming, and/or threats of rape and other physical violence," the agency said.

"Recently, Palace communications assistant secretary Mocha Uson and journalist Pia Ranada have been subjected to online violence focusing on their gender and not on the issues at hand. Prior to this, women and girls protesting the Marcos burial were harassed and attacked online," it added.

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On the remark made by Duterte, the commission expressed regret that Filipinas are spoken to in such a manner.

"The fact that it is done in a foreign context makes it even more appalling because it objectifies Filipino women in the larger international arena," it said.

"These kinds of repeated sexist remarks strip Filipino women of their dignity and human rights. It diminishes women’s ownership of their bodies and reduces them to mere sexual objects. This is despite the global recognition for our Filipinas’ capacity for hard work, who make honorable sacrifices to provide for their families and, at times, give due recognition to our country for their excellent achievements in diverse fields," it added.

Duterte's critics, too

The CHR said women officials have been shamed and harassed through personal attacks in the past two years, apparently in reference to attacks against Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Leila de Lima, Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, among others.

"We earnestly ask the government, with the leadership of the President as the highest duty-bearer, to uphold laws that protect women from violence and discrimination," the CHR said.

"We also call on the public to stand up for women’s rights and to refuse to accept violence and discrimination of all forms, including those directed to persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and expression," it added.