Leni Robredo and the double standards of being ‘real’ in politics
Though the Philippines was named the top country in Asia in closing the gender gap in 2020, it’s not so apparent on the ground. Some Filipinos might be more open-minded, but gender bias and misogynist narratives are still plain to see. The bias is more evident nowadays, especially when a promising woman candidate is at the forefront of the news.
After Boy Abunda’s interviews with the Presidential candidates, Filipinos didn’t waste time discussing Abunda’s interview skills and Robredo’s blunt answers. Viewers zoned in on Abunda’s fast talk portion, where the talk show host asks the VP why Filipinos shouldn’t vote for her fellow Presidential contenders.
Robredo’s statements were quick and honest, especially those concerning her rival, Bongbong Marcos Jr. She reasoned: ‘Number one, sinungaling. Pangalawa, in the difficult moments, ‘di siya nagpapakita.’ Robredo seemingly alluded to Marcos skipping Jessica Soho a few days beforehand.
Robredo’s answers were considered controversial and labeled as negative campaigning by many. Her opinion earned the ire of fellow candidate Ping Lacson and Vice Presidential candidate Tito Sotto. There was no shortage of pointed comments from both citizens and politicians.
These reactions are bullsh*t.
The double standard
Robredo gets criticized for being slightly frank on her stance, but Duterte has spent the past six years cursing and uttering unfiltered statements. Ping Lacson was also blunt during his Jessica Soho interview, but instead of receiving criticism, he became a standout.
Robredo is constantly under threat by fake news and menacing online comments unnoticed by the authorities. But when BBM receives one threat from a TikTok post, the DOJ, NBI, AND PNP banded together immediately to find the perpetrator.
Death threats towards any candidate are horrible. But as a woman and mother, Robredo experiences countless hurdles that men don’t have to encounter, some invisible to the public eye.
Women are expected and conditioned to stay quiet when men talk over them. Women suffer in silence because of the fear of supposedly ‘overreacting’ or being ‘too sensitive.’ When a woman, like Robredo, defies those societal expectations, traditionalist Filipino misogyny rears its ugly head.
With Marcos bailing out on another Presidential interview, the male privilege is apparent. Marcos can afford to be absent without sacrificing his popularity and following, but Robredo has to show up every day; otherwise, her critics would descend like hawks.
Robredo has consistently proven that she is present during disasters, and yet somehow, she is still the candidate who has something to prove.
She falls behind a man whose biggest political involvement was filing election complaints in 2016. Even before Robredo announced candidacy, she was on the ground, helping Filipinos in times of turmoil and chaos, never failing to be transparent.
A show of strength
Robredo’s straightforward answers are a necessity. Between the misogynist statements to male privilege, she has to be strong. She can’t afford to be passive or pabebe because she would be mercilessly attacked every step of the way—more than she is now.
Strength is required of Robredo, more than any candidate, even if she’s more competent than the frontrunner.
The double standard of Philippine politics is evident. If Robredo had been a man, people would have praised her for being direct and poised despite Abunda’s constant interruptions.
Male politicians get away with grievous attitudes, like emotional outbursts, waves of anger, and baseless accusations on live TV. We’ve seen enough of that from our own current President.
Given Robredo’s experiences, it’s a miracle she hasn’t shown any sign of annoyance; we got the tiniest glimpse of it during Abunda’s fast talk. A small show of emotion, and she gets crucified.
Robredo is undoubtedly a formidable opponent. The fact that she is still stealing the spotlight with her compassionate leadership proves that despite everything thrown at her, she is one of the strongest—if not the strongest—Presidential candidates we have today.
The post <b> Leni Robredo and the double standards of being ‘real’ in politics </b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.
Source: we the pvblic
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