Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag, chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, denounced the “degrading and misogynistic remarks” made by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio against Gabriela Party-list representative Sarah Elago.
Matibag said Topacio’s public admission of “lusting after” a woman legislator while attempting to justify sexist behavior was unacceptable.
“To publicly admit to ‘lusting after’ a woman legislator while attempting to justify sexist behavior reduces a duly elected public official to an object of sexualization. Such statements are unacceptable and undermine the dignity of women in public service,” she said.
She emphasized Elago’s long-standing advocacy for women’s rights and social justice, stressing that misogynistic attacks have no place in public discourse.
“Attacks that trivialize women leaders through misogynistic remarks have no place in public discourse and run contrary to the values upheld by our laws, including the Safe Spaces Act,” Matibag added.
Marking National Women’s Month, Matibag called for respect, equality, and accountability, urging the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to investigate the incident and enforce professional standards.
Topacio, in his radio program, defended Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay—who also faced criticism for remarks about actress Anne Curtis—by claiming men should not be judged for their thoughts.
He admitted he once “lusted” after Elago, a statement that drew further backlash from lawmakers and women’s groups.