On Tuesday, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines called out the “inappropriate behavior” by the two local bets from Laguna during a campaign rally.

CHR slammed the acts of Calamba Mayor Timmy Chipeco and Cabuyao councilor Tutti Caringal as they were seen singing and gyrating their hips while sitting in front of a female supporter. 

One of the candidates also dared to remove the face mask of the said supporter, albeit we’re in the middle of a pandemic.

CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, released a statement denouncing the deed of the two local bets.

“We condemn this incident as it is not only exploitative of women and demeans their inherent dignity, but it also debases the incumbent office, which the political aspirants hold. Further, it breaks the health protocols as set by the Commission on Elections and Department of Health, especially that the pandemic is not yet over,” she said.

De Guia also reminded that women are not “sexual playthings” that can be use as a tool to draw laughs in order to accumulate votes from the masses.

“As the Gender Ombud, CHR takes this occasion to reiterate to the political aspirants involved and their party-mates that women are not sexual playthings to be objectified for the purposes of entertainment for the sake of garnering votes. Those in government, including those aspiring to be leaders, need to always bear in mind the primacy of respecting human rights,” she added.

Furthermore, CHR encourages the candidates as well as their supporters to continue to practice health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19 emphasizing that the aspiring leaders must set an example to their followers.