Press Release
June 9, 2014

Sen. Pia: "PBB crossed the line"

"Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) crossed the line."

This was the assertion of Sen. Pia S. Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Family Relations and Gender Relations, in reference to the June 4 episode of the reality television show where two female housemates were challenged to pose nude for an art painting.

"I am dismayed that one of the challenges was for the female housemates to pose nude," added the senator, a staunch women's advocate and principal author of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710).

"This is an assault to the dignity of the women housemates. Asking a woman to consider posing nude in such a situation - where her acceptance to perform the challenge is made in exchange for points or benefits for herself or her housemates - is tantamount to coercion."

She added: "In their desire to challenge and teach the contestants life lessons, they should be conscious of the rights of the housemates and know the limits when assigning tasks that could end up degrading women and trampling on their dignity. In this case, they crossed the line."

"I agree with the position of the Philippine Commission on Women, which first raised this issue, that there is nothing wrong about women who pose nude for art, as long as the decision is voluntary. Clearly this was not the case with housemate Jayme Jalandoni, who was under pressure to follow the instructions of Kuya in order not to be meted sanctions. To make things worse, the bargaining between Jayme and Kuya happened on national television in full view of the public."

"We must take note that aside from Jayme, another female housemate, Michelle Gumabao was also forced into accepting the nude painting challenge. Even if their team eventually backed out, the violation had been done."

"PBB producers should take note of the Magna Carta of Women (Sec.19, Implementing Rules and Regulations) which encourages the non-derogatory portrayal of women in media. The program's producers need not wait for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to take action. It should give a public explanation and apologize for that unwarranted challenge."

News Latest News Feed