Party-lists belonging to the Makabayan bloc have condemned the "desperate move" of spreading fake sex videos involving Aika Robredo, eldest daughter of opposition standard-bearer Vice President Leni Robredo.
In a statement Monday, April 11, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said called the spread of the alleged sex video as a "desperate sexist strategy by those who seek to taint Robredo's campaign".
"This is a cheap, sexist online attack meant to demean women and to distract the public from VP Robredo's crusade for good governance, health-based pandemic response, and people's welfare," said Brosas.
"This latest sexist attack highlights the character of Philippine elections, where women are either made objects of pleasure or subjects of sexual intrigues to prop up someone's candicacy," she added.
"We have also taken note of misogynist comments and lewd remarks against the supporters of VP Robredo in various social media platforms. This should stop. We call on the public to report online content which degrades, insults and sexualizes women especially as the campaign period is about to wind up," Brosas said.
Meanwhile, Kabataan Party-list, in a separate statement Tuesday, April 12, aired similar sentiments on the issue.
“This attack on Aika is a desperate move to derail the campaign of the Leni-Kiko (Pangilinan) tandem through escalated use of disinformation and fake content,” said Kabataan Party-list National President and first nominee Raoul Manuel.
Manuel said the public should be alarmed with how the elections has "turned into a platform to crucify rather than elevate women".
“Sexist, misogynistic attacks come straight from authoritarian playbooks. Not only do they draw attention away from people's issues; they also attempt to undermine women's voices," said current Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, who is also an advocate of women’s rights.
Elago called for a fair and speedy investigation on this issue in order to hold perpetrators accountable.
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives earlier endorsed the presidential bid of Robredo.
Robredo, a widow, has three daughters. She is the lone female candidate in the May 9 polls.