Gabriela urges ‘PBB’ to enforce stricter rules vs ‘birong bastos’
The Gabriela Women’s Party called on the producers of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” to enforce stronger measures against inappropriate and objectifying remarks toward the female contestants inside the Big Brother house.
In a statement posted on their social media pages on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the group said the incident reflects a broader cultural problem: the continued normalization of sexist jokes among young people.
“The recent exchange on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 where female housemates called out inappropriate jokes and objectifying remarks highlights a broader cultural issue we continue to face: the normalization of “birong bastos” among young people,” began the statement.
Gabriela lauded the female housemates who spoke up and explained why such comments are hurtful, saying the conversation was an important step toward promoting respect.
“Hindi lahat ng biro ay nakakatawa – lalo na kung may nao-objectify (Not all jokes are funny – especially if they objectify someone). This is a learning moment not only for those inside the house but for many watching from their own homes and schools,” read the statement.
The women’s group urged “PBB” producers to conduct gender-sensitivity seminars for all housemates to deepen their understanding of consent, boundaries, and everyday sexism faced by women.
“Moreover, the reality show must also create guided conversations that help young viewers recognize why comments that objectify women are harmful, even when unintended,” it continued.
The women’s party said it is willing to assist “PBB” should the program wish to strengthen its gender education components.
“Malaking bagay na makita ng publiko na bawal ang bastos sa bahay ni Kuya (It’s a big deal for the public to see that rudeness is not allowed in Kuya’s house),” it concluded.
The statement came after clips inside the house circulated on social media where the male housemates were making double-meaning jokes and sexist remarks against the female housemates.
In one of the viral clips, housemate Iñigo Jose was captured saying the phrase “once you go black, you never go back” to 17-year-old female housemate Caprice. At some point in the video, Iñigo quipped “inosente” after the latter seemingly did not understand the term.
The phrase “once you go black, you never go back” is a stereotypical idiom meaning that after having a romantic or sexual experience with a Black person, one won’t want to return to partners of other races.
Another incident occurred when the housemates were practicing for their task when Iñigo told the other male housemates to look at one of the girls, with housemate Carmelle responding, “You’re looking at my ass?”
The female housemates aired their sentiments about their feelings of being “objectified” by the male housemates. “‘Yun lang ang gusto namin dito for you guys to not objectify us,” said housemate Krystal.
“PBB” showrunners have yet to air their statement, as of writing. /edv
