Senator Risa Hontiveros impressed many at the president’s State of the Nation Adress last July 22 with her stylish outfit. Dressed in a piña barong designed by Joel Acebuche and a pair of Marikina-made shoes, the senator received several compliments from netizens on the classic look. Unfortunately, there were others who surprisingly veered towards being offended at her state of dress.
(RELATED: Senator Hontiveros Refiles Bill Legalizing Divorce In The Philippines)
One such Twitter user called her out as a “thirsty slut” and demanded she “dress appropriately”. Quite a few others readily agreed by calling her outfit inappropriate for the occasion, or how her position demanded proper attire. Senator Hontiveros succinctly responded to all the criticism with a powerful: “STOP ?? TELLING ?? WOMEN ?? HOW ?? TO ?? DRESS. ”
STOP 👏🏼 TELLING 👏🏼 WOMEN 👏🏼 HOW 👏🏼 TO 👏🏼 DRESS 🙅🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/COkXQTAEXW
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) July 22, 2019
She reposted the same reply on her Facebook page with the added hashtag “#BawalBastos”. This would be in reference to the recently signed Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos” Law which she legislated. Ironically enough, under this newly enacted law, sexually-driven comments or harassment is now being commensurately punished.
(President Duterte Signs “Bawal Bastos” Law, Punishing Catcalling and Online Sexual Harassment)
In a seemingly related Tweet, she shared the sentiment that judging a woman by her appearance is an outdated practice which only works to reinforce gender inequality. She wrote: “You can be an accomplished woman & still be reduced to a pair of legs, judged by the way you look. A double standard between men & women. Women in leadership are described as shrill, bossy, lewd. Men are rarely described this way. A sad reality we MUST work to dismantle every day.”
You can be an accomplished woman & still be reduced to a pair of legs,judged by the way you look. A double standard between men & women.
Women in leadership are described as shrill,bossy,lewd. Men are rarely described this way. A sad reality we MUST work to dismantle every day.— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) July 24, 2019
(ALSO READ: Let’s stop shaming women for what they choose to wear)
Where do you stand on this issue? Let us know in the comments!
