Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago has sided with female "housemates" amid the controversy created by the usage of lewd jokes in the reality show, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.

And Elago hopes "Kuya" would do so as well.

"The recent exchange on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 where female housemates called out inappropriate jokes and objectifying remarks highlights a broader cultural issue we continue to face: the normalization of 'birong bastos' (lewd jokes) among young people," Elago said in a statement Wednesday, Dec. 10.

"We appreciate how some of the housemates expressed why such comments are hurtful. These conversations, though difficult, are important steps toward building a culture of respect," she said.

Elago says Gabriela is open to providing assistance should the producers or the PBB team wish to integrate stronger gender education components into the show.

"Malaking bagay na makita ng publiko na bawal ang bastos sa bahay ni Kuya (For the public to see that lewdness has no place in Big Brother's house is a big deal)," she said.

The Makabayan solon hoped that the celebrities involved in the debacle would learn from the experience.

"Hindi lahat ng biro ay nakakatawa — lalo na kung may nao-objectify (Not all jokes are funny--especially if someone gets objectified). This is a learning moment not only for those inside the house, but for many watching from their own homes and schools."

"We encourage PBB’s producers to provide gender-sensitivity seminars for all housemates to deepen their understanding of consent, boundaries, and everyday sexism faced by women," she said.

Moreover, Elago said the reality show must also create guided conversations that help young viewers recognize why comments that objectify women are harmful, even when unintended.