MTRCB calls PBB challenge ‘gender insensitive,’ summons producers

By: Marinel R. Cruz - 11 years ago

Atty. Eugenio H. Villareal. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Alarmed over the alleged “gender-insensitivity” happening inside the “Pinoy Big Brother” house, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summoned its producer ABS-CBN for a “mandatory conference” on Wednesday over a recent nude-painting challenge in the reality program.

According to a statement released by its chairperson Eugenio Villareal, the board expressed its concern over the challenge presented by “Big Brother” or “Kuya” upon housemates Jayme Jalandoni and Michele Gumabao during the show’s June 4 and 5 episodes to pose in the nude for a painting.

Villareal pointed out that Jalandoni initially refused (on the June 4 episode), “but became fearful and cried. She eventually gave in to the challenge, even if it meant going against her family and religious beliefs.”

The MTRCB chief also reported that fellow contestant Gumabao was picked by Jalandoni to join her after she was instructed by “Kuya” to find companions for the challenge. “Gumabao was also seen sobbing during the show’s June 5 episode in regard to the challenge and how it threatened her religious beliefs,” he stressed.

“The pressure exerted upon the housemates arguably constitutes moral and psychological violence upon them and may violate their dignity as human persons,” Villareal pointed out. Hence, the MTRCB invoked its 2012 memorandum of understanding with ABS-CBN and other networks for the positive and non-derogatory portrayal of women on television, in support of the Magna Carta on Women of 2009.

“Moreover, the conflict with religion and the incursion into otherwise harmonious family relations can also border on insensitivity toward the Filipino values of faith and family,” Villareal said.

Concerned over a possible lapse in self-regulation on the part of the station involved, the chair said he expected ABS-CBN’s cooperation at the mandatory conference on June 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The MTRCB has also invited resource persons for the proceedings, including representatives from the Philippine Commission on Women.

Villareal said the board reaffirmed “its commitment to the non-discriminatory and positive portrayal of women in media and entertainment, and to over-all audience-sensitivity and self-regulation in both television and film.”

Originally posted at 10:41 am | Tuesday, June 10, 2014