No to ‘Bastos’ Candidates: Fighting Sexism and Misogyny in Philippine Elections

Photo credit: GABRIELA via GlobalEJournal.org

Every election season in the Philippines, politics transforms into a spectacle — and not always for the better. Alongside the usual campaign promises, we often see a parade of sexist jokes, misogynistic remarks, and dehumanizing behavior aimed at women, the LGBTQIA+ community,  and marginalized groups. This disturbing pattern reveals a deeper, more entrenched problem: in many corners of the political sphere, respect for women is still optional.

Unfortunately, elections have often shown how easily the principles of gender equity are cast aside. Campaign periods, in particular, become breeding grounds for discrimination, where aspiring leaders think nothing of using sexist jokes and degrading remarks to grab attention or assert dominance.

Normalization of Misogyny in Campaigns

Time and again, high-profile candidates have made headlines for all the wrong reasons. In 2016, then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s rape joke about an Australian missionary triggered outrage among women’s groups but did little to dent his presidential campaign. Instead, it signaled to the public that misogyny could be brushed off as "just jokes", even at the highest levels of leadership.

In 2022, musicians-turned-politicians Tutti Caringal and Timmy Chipeco faced backlash when a video surfaced of them sitting on a female supporter during a rally. The act, caught on camera, was more than just bad optics; it was a reminder of how women’s bodies are often trivialized in political spectacles.

In the 2025 campaign cycle, the trend persisted. Pasig congressional candidate Atty. Christian Sia offered an outrageous "deal" to single mothers during a rally, suggesting he could sleep with them once a year. Shortly after, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia claimed that nursing scholarships should only go to "beautiful women," reducing female students' worth to their appearance.

The common thread? Each of these incidents reveals a culture that tolerates, even rewards, the degradation of women during political campaigns — a culture that needs to be urgently dismantled.

The Fourth "G" in Philippine Elections

Philippine elections are often associated with the notorious 3Gs: Guns, Goons, and Gold. But for decades, there’s been a silent fourth G: Girls. From objectification at rallies to sexist campaign materials, women have been reduced to campaign props or tools for gaining attention.

Sexism isn’t just background noise during elections,  it’s systemic and strategic. It's used to grab headlines, dominate airtime, and build a persona of power, often at the expense of women's dignity. Social media has only intensified this phenomenon, giving misogynistic acts a wider, more viral platform.

A Call for Accountability

For too long, sexist behavior has been dismissed as part of the "colorful" nature of Philippine politics. But the reality is far grimmer: when we allow misogyny to thrive during campaigns, we set the tone for how leaders treat marginalized groups once they are in power.

That’s why it’s crucial that laws evolve to meet the moment. Representative Arlene Brosas of the Gabriela Women's Party recently filed a bill proposing to amend the Omnibus Election Code to disqualify candidates who commit misogynistic acts or remarks during the campaign period. This initiative signals a move toward real accountability, ensuring that the right to run for public office comes with the responsibility to uphold human dignity.

The bill outlines that candidates who publicly degrade, ridicule, or harass women and LGBTQIA+ individuals during campaign activities can face disqualification. It recognizes that discrimination, even in "offhand" remarks, is not harmless. It corrodes the very foundations of a just society.

This proposed law isn’t about political correctness. It’s about demanding that leaders show basic decency and respect, qualities that should be non-negotiable for anyone seeking to serve the public.

The Role of Voters and Citizens

Passing laws is one thing; changing culture is another. Every Filipino has a role in pushing back against the normalization of misogyny:

• Speak out when you see candidates making sexist remarks. Silence only emboldens them.

• Vote consciously. Choose leaders who demonstrate respect for everyone, not just with flowery words, but in the way they act and speak.

• Support advocacy efforts aimed at promoting ethical, respectful political engagement.

• Educate others about why misogyny in politics matters. It’s not “just jokes”,  it affects policies, priorities, and the everyday lives of women and marginalized communities.

The type of leaders we elect reflects the values we embrace as a society. Tolerating "bastos" behavior during campaigns is an acceptance of injustice. Challenging it is an act of reclaiming dignity — not just for women, but for every Filipino who believes that leadership should be rooted in respect and equality.

Zero Votes for Misogynists

Respect is not optional. Candidates who insult, demean, or degrade women must face clear consequences, not just legal, but electoral. It’s time for voters to send a strong, undeniable message: misogyny has no place in leadership.

Change begins when voters draw the line. When candidates see that misogyny costs them votes and seats, they will think twice before using women as punchlines or props. Elections should be about competence, integrity, and vision, not about who can get away with the most offensive jokes.

Zero tolerance. Zero excuses. Zero votes for misogynists.

The Philippines deserves leaders who uplift, not belittle; who empower, not exploit. Our democracy is stronger when respect becomes the baseline, not the exception.