PCW alarmed over reality show’s alleged coercion, exploitation of women

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is calling the attention of a local reality television program where a female contestant was compelled to pose nude for a painting.

In the June 4, 2014 episode of ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Big Brother All-In”, “Big Brother” often called as “Kuya” challenged 23-year old Jayme Jalandoni of Parañaque City to pose nude for a painting, which is a part of their weekly task.

Said weekly task, dubbed as “Yes We Can” episode, seeks to test the contestants’ determination and will to perform unexpected challenges, providing with only three “No” options. Should the contestants exhaust all three “No” options, “Kuya” will automatically cut their budget for the following week.

Jalandoni initially said no to the idea of posing nude but “Kuya’s” influence, although giving the former two choices, left the 23-year old with no option but to give in.

“Kuya’s” exercise of authority over her is evidently suggestive; placing the female contestant under pressure amid the latter’s rejection of the challenge.

Below is the transcript of the aforementioned incident:

Kuya: Kakasimula pa lang ng Linggo ay may isang ‘No’ na kayo.
Jayme: Opo. Sana po lahat kami pareho ng iniisip na lahat po kami as much as possible game po sa lahat ng ipapagawa ninyo sa amin.
Kuya: Eh ikaw ba, ano ba sa tingin mo ang kayang-kaya mong gawin?
Jayme: Kahit ano naman po sa tingin ko kakayanin ko as long as hindi naman po niya natatamaan ang mga values ko or yung faith ko.
Kuya: Jayme, mayroon akong isang mahalagang hamon. Bukod sa inyong weekly budget, may iba pang nakasalalay dito. Jayme, mayroon akong nakilalang isang magaling na artist. Marami siyang natutulungan, marami siyang natuturuan at yung pagtuturo niya wala itong bayad at gusto ko siyang tulungan sa kaniyang adbokasiya sa tulong mo at ng ibang housemates. Jayme gusto mo bang maging modelo para sa isang painting? Para magkaroon ka ng ideya, bakit hindi mo muna alisin ang takip.
Jayme: Kuya, ayoko maghubad.
Kuya: Jayme, gaya ng sinabi ko marami ang nakasalalay rito. Ang inyong weekly task, ang tulong na maibibigay sa pintor at sa kaniyang adbokasiya. Mapapanindigan mo ba yung sinabi mo sa akin kanina?
Jayme: Seryoso ba to?
Kuya: Mabigat ang hamon ko para sayo. Kaya naman bibigyan kita ng oras para makapag-isip.

Jalandoni’s initial reactions flashed fear and refusal as evidenced by her crying. “Kuya”, however, was insistent, even citing the artistic merit of a painter.

PCW sees nothing wrong with women posing nude for art but it should be a woman’s free choice to do so.

The Commission waves caution as “Kuya” violates her right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief.

The episode showed the broadcast media’s coldhearted perpetuation of exploitation of women on national TV. No individual, television show or entity has the right to cause discrimination, insecurity, discomfort, offense or humiliation to any woman.

We urge all media organizations to exercise gender-sensitivity and to promote the dignity of women and their roles and contributions in all spheres of private and public life. Section 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) clearly states that media organizations shall not induce encourage and/or condone violence against women in any form and/or the violation of their human rights.

PCW recognizes the vital role of broadcast media in providing information to our people, especially the youth. We, therefore, encourage all media entities to practice responsibility, accountability and sensitivity in portraying the images of women, which are far from being accurate and fair.

Meantime, the Commission is calling the Movie Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) to look into the said episode and take necessary actions therefrom.