Unable to defeat Rep. Elago’s causes and political positions, he has resorted to brazen misogyny and sexual harassment in a desperate attempt to malign and intimidate her.
By Marjuice DestinadoBulatlat.com
CEBU – The Makabayan Coalition condemned lawyer Ferdinand Topacio for making misogynistic and sexually charged remarks against Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago, saying the statements expose the “rotten, woman-hating core of Duterte apologist culture.”
The controversy stemmed from remarks made by Quezon City Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, who admitted in Congress that he experienced a “strong surge of desire” toward actress Anne Curtis “in his imagination.” The comment drew criticism from Elago and other public figures and was later struck from the House records.
Topacio later defended Suntay during a radio broadcast, saying: “He’s a man. Let’s not kid ourselves. Men have desires.”
During the same program, Topacio admitted he had “desired” Elago and said it was natural for men to have such “desires.” He also criticized Curtis-Smith, who had spoken out against Suntay’s remarks, asking on air: “And you, Jasmine, why are you posting your pictures in a bikini? Isn’t that for you to be desired?”
A joint statement from Elago, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co. criticized Topacio for using his radio platform to attack women.
“In the first week of Women’s Month—a time meant to honor and uplift Filipino women—Topacio chose instead to weaponize his radio platform to slut-shame, demean, and intimidate women who dared to speak up,” the lawmakers said.
Makabayan President Liza Maza also condemned the remarks as sexist and degrading. “The Makabayan Coalition strongly condemns the misogynistic slur by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio against Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Sarah Elago,” Maza said. “Such sexist and degrading remarks by Atty. Topacio reflects the deeply entrenched machismo and misogyny that women leaders face in the political arena.”
The coalition also criticized Topacio, whom it described as a long-time defender of the Duterte camp and a lawyer known for red-tagging progressive leaders and organizations.
“This is not surprising. This is the true face of the DDS. Topacio has long served as one of the most vocal defenders of the Duterte camp — the same camp whose patriarch now sits detained at The Hague facing charges of crimes against humanity,” the group said.
Maza added that Topacio resorted to misogynistic attacks after failing to discredit Elago’s advocacy. “Unable to defeat Rep. Elago’s causes and political positions, he has resorted to brazen misogyny and sexual harassment in a desperate attempt to malign and intimidate her,” she said.
Former representative and Makabayan Coalition Vice President France Castro also condemned Topacio’s statements, calling them a direct affront to Elago’s dignity.
“This kind of speech is unacceptable. He should not generalize all men just to defend his crude and misogynistic remarks,” Castro said in Filipino.
Castro added that such statements contribute to a culture of disrespect toward women and urged professional organizations of lawyers to take action to ensure ethical standards are upheld.
Maza called for strict enforcement of the Safe Spaces Act and urged the Supreme Court and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to consider disbarment.
“Atty. Topacio should be held accountable for the willful violation of the Safe Spaces Act. Members of the legal profession should reject his behavior and hold him accountable for statements that perpetuate harassment and discrimination against women in public service. Sexual harassment constitutes grossly immoral conduct under legal ethics,” she said.
‘No room for misogyny’
In a separate statement released during International Women’s Month, the IBP Human Rights Committee also stressed that harassment, discrimination, and misogyny have no place in the legal profession.
“There is no room in this noble profession for misogyny and sexism. The Court will never tolerate abuse, in whatever form, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court,” the committee said.
According to the IBP, lawyers serve a dual role as defenders of the law and pillars of society.“Disrespect, bias, or discrimination against women contradicts the foundation of legal ethics and weakens public trust in the profession; a lawyer who does not respect women undermines the basic principles of equality and fairness that the law promotes,” the group added. (AMU, RVO)
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