THE multisectoral movement “Every Woman” on Friday lashed out at Filipinos who were bashing San Juan Rep. Ysabel "Bel" Zamora, while she was taking part as a member of the House prosecution panel during the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, the women’s group said that the sexualizing of women in politics, who are doing their jobs, should stop, while also naming Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima as "others" who have faced such actions.
“Not other women politicians as well who are sexualized by men. And yes, we say ‘women politicians are victimized’ because violence against women in politics, as anywhere else in the workplace, is a serious threat. It is a serious concern for women who dare assert that they are equal or even better than men in statecraft,” Every Woman said.
The women’s coalition said that this kind of behavior from Filipinos is disgusting and despicable.
“Enough already. Bel, Leila, Risa, someone’s mother, daughter, sister, or female cousin have become noticeable to you. They dared to enter your consciousness simply because they work in your office, sold you something at a store, or because you watched them in the Senate. And because they entered your consciousness, does that therefore give you the right to think of them as sexual entertainment? This kind of behavior is disgusting!” the group said in Filipino.
“If there are people who are condescending and oppressive, that’s you. If there are people who think they are superior to others, that’s you. And yet you criticize Cong. Bel for supposedly acting elitist?” they added.
The group pointed out that the supporters of the Duterte family, known as the Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS), started being vulgar at Zamora.
“It is no secret to us that many DDS supporters were among those who started this kind of vulgarity against Rep. Zamora. That is why many people say that DDS supporters are simply fanatics. Their defense of the Dutertes has gone beyond what is reasonable. It is no longer rational to think that having a difference of opinion is a reason to insult someone,” they said.
“Then again, many people applauded and snickered for six straight years while former President Duterte engaged in continuous vulgarity toward women. So we are no longer surprised,” the group added.
In a post on X on Thursday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson defended Zamora, saying that she is only standing up for what she thinks is right.
“I am taking the cudgels for Rep. Ysabel ‘Bel’ Zamora, not as a senator-judge, but as her wedding sponsor and a daughter of a brilliant lawyer and dear friend, former San Juan Rep. Ronnie Zamora. She is a capable, smart, and beautiful person inside out who can stand up for what she believes is right,” Lacson said.
