Press Release
December 11, 2007

Villar laments insensitive portrayal of Filipino woman in news

Senate President Manny Villar called for a more sensitive and non-discriminatory portrayal of women in mass media as a matter of right and in adherence to existing laws.

Villar made the call in the wake of reports maliciously labeling a woman suspected of involvement in the recent Peninsula Manila siege as a "paramour."

"It is cruel and unfair to carelessly label a woman, a married and private citizen at that, with disparaging allegations violating her right to privacy," the Senate President said.

The woman identified as Myrna Buendia, 63, has an impressive track record, having served as executive director of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines and as vice president of Chinese General Hospital.

"Respect for every Filipino woman must be upheld, much more her right to privacy which takes a higher seat in the hierarchy of rights," Villar stressed.

"We must endeavor to raise the consciousness of the public in recognizing the dignity of women by exercising utmost responsibility and caution in media reporting and the strategic use of mass media," he said.

Villar earlier filed Senate Bill 1712 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Women of 2007 which seeks to recognize the role of women in nation building and to ensure the substantive equality of women and men. Among the intentions of the bill is to encourage media programming with sensitive depiction of women. It provides for incentives for programs that appropriately present women's needs, issues and concerns in movies, TV shows, advertisements and print media. Under the bill, the holding of gender-sensitivity training programs for media practitioners will be imposed to encourage the creation and use of non-stereotyped, balanced, diverse and positive images of women in media. The Nacionalista party president said the legislation is also designed to support media watch groups, media professional association and women's organizations advancing women empowerment.

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