PBB urged to apologize for going 'overboard' with nude task

MANILA, Philippines — Two senators believe that reality show Pinoy Big Brother "crossed the line" and went "overboard" when two female contestants were challenged to pose nude for an art painting.

Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate committee on women, family relations and gender relations, said she was dismayed that PBB "housemates" Jayme Jalandoni and Michelle Gumabao were dared to pose nude for a painting-for-charity during the show's June 4 and 5 episodes.

"This is an assault to the dignity of the women housemates. Asking a woman to consider posing nude in such a situation - where her acceptance to perform the challenge is made in exchange for points or benefits for herself or her housemates - is tantamount to coercion," the senator said in a statement.

"In their desire to challenge and teach the contestants life lessons, they should be conscious of the rights of the housemates and know the limits when assigning tasks that could end up degrading women and trampling on their dignity. In this case, they crossed the line." Cayetano added.

The senator said the show's producers should take note of the Magna Carta of Women which encourages the non-derogatory portrayal of women in media.

She said the program's producers should not wait for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to take action.

"It (PBB) should give a public explanation and apologize for that unwarranted challenge," Cayetano said.

Senator Nancy Binay, who will file a resolution this week regarding the matter, said the reality show must not compromise the dignity and rights of its female participants.

She said the PBB nude challenge to housemates was not a test of one's character, but an "irresponsible and insensitive act bordering on blackmail."

"I believe this is the second time PBB went overboard. How far can reality TV go for high ratings? Will we allow the network to exploit our women and children for ratings sake?" Binay asked.

Binay said the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which has summoned ABS-CBN, should review the PBB's rule book and the code of conduct and the ethical standards that govern the Endemol franchise. -Louis Bacani