Awra Briguela slams teacher for ‘degrading’ remark; university takes action

Awra Briguela called out a netizen, who turned out to be a faculty member of Universidad de Manila, for making a degrading and transphobic remark against her on a social media post.

Briguela showed a screenshot of the UDM teacher’s comment on a post featuring Briguela’s beach photos, in which the latter called the actress a woman with a male genitalia.

“He commented [on] a public post about me—a degrading and transphobic remark that no educator should ever say to anyone, especially knowing that I am also a student,” she said on her Facebook page.

“As a professor, you are expected to uphold professionalism, respect, and basic human decency. Educators should serve as role models and create safe spaces for students, not contribute to online bullying, humiliation, and discrimination. What he did was completely unacceptable and disappointing coming from someone in a position of authority,” she stressed.

Briguela further noted that she also received messages from individuals who shared similar “negative experiences” with the said faculty member.

“Because of this, I am now considering formally reporting the matter to the Universidad De Manila administration and gathering statements from individuals who may have also experienced inappropriate treatment from him,” she stated. “Accountability is important, especially for people entrusted to educate and influence students.”

“Respect should never depend on gender identity, appearance, or personal opinions. Everyone deserves dignity, and no professor should use their platform to publicly shame or degrade another person,” she added.

The management of UDM released a statement acknowledging the concern raised by Briguela.

“At present, the matter is being addressed in coordination with the University Administration and the Gender and Development (GAD) Office in accordance with existing institutional policies and procedures,” it said.

“As an academic institution, the University does not condone behavior or expressions that may be perceived as discriminatory, demeaning, or harmful to any individual. Necessary investigation and interventions are currently being undertaken through the appropriate offices,” it added.

Several organizations also expressed their support to Briguela on the matter, including Universidad de Manila – Bahaghari, PLM Propaganda, as well as the Gabriela Women’s Party. /ra