Congresswoman Roman to Mocha Uson: ‘Gender should not be used as a gimmick’
MANILA, Philippines – House committee on women and gender equality chairperson Geraldine Roman has called out Manila councilor bet Mocha Uson for resorting to a campaign jingle that objectifies women.
The Bataan 1st District representative said this in an open letter to Uson, who is running for councilor in Manila’s 3rd District.
“The objectification of our bodies, even if it’s meant to be a harmless joke or satire, chips away at the respect we’ve fought for. It reinforces the same narratives we’ve both worked so hard to change — that a woman’s worth is tied to her physicality, not her mind or mission,” Roman said.
“Mocha, our people are hungry — not for cookies or catchy tunes — but for solutions, jobs, decent healthcare, and a future for their children. Ibigay natin ito sa kanila (Let’s give this to them). Let us level up our discourse and offer platforms that resonate with the hopes and dreams of the Filipino people,” she added.
Roman noted that Uson already has a platform. “Right now, they need us — especially women leaders — to lead with dignity, purpose, and clarity.”
Roman reminded public figures to be more responsible about what they post and promote online.
“Maging paalala sana ito na may bigat ang bawat salitang binibitawan natin. That our platforms are a privilege, and we owe it to the public — lalo na sa mga batang babaeng tumitingala sa atin — na gamitin ito nang may malasakit at respeto,” she said.
“Let this serve as a reminder that every word we speak carries weight. Our platforms are a privilege, and we owe it to the public — especially the young girls who look up to us — to use them with care and respect.)
“Let us meet our constituents not with distraction, but with depth. Not with gimmicks, but with vision,” she added.
Mocha is running under the ticket of Isko Moreno, who is eyeing a comeback as Manila mayor.
Mocha’s cookie business
Uson’s “cookie” jingle references a business she started in 2014. As her business grew, Uson enlisted the help of Nanay Lourdes, a baker who eventually developed stage 4 breast cancer.
When Lourdes was diagnosed, the profits from Uson’s cookie business went toward funding her treatment. Unfortunately, Lourdes passed away from the illness.
In her house-to-house campaign, Uson was seen giving out cookies to residents. She also dances to her campaign jingle “Cookie ni Mocha” in caucus and proclamation rallies.
Comelec reaction
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has also taken notice of Mocha’s campaign jingle. In an interview on Facts First with Christian Esguerra, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said they will take action on Uson’s campaign jingle.
This comes amid heightened scrutiny of campaign conduct. Comelec issued one show-cause order after another against Pasig congressional candidate Ian Sia for his lewd joke about single mothers, and for body shaming a former female staff member. Both incidents happened at campaign events.
Uson is no stranger to controversy. During her time as assistant communications secretary under then-president Rodrigo Duterte, she received a memo for a viral dance video promoting federalism, which federalism advocates slammed. The video featured her co-host Drew Olivar singing “i-pepe” and “i-dede” while pointing to his crotch and chest before shouting “i-pederalismo.” – Rappler.com