Days after making controversial statements regarding sex and consent, Sen. Robin Padilla still faces The Internet's wrath. This time, it's with his wife Mariel Padilla, over the actress' post that sought to lighten up the issue on the concept of consent.
Mariel Padilla Posts About Consent, Receives Backlash Over Husband's Statement
On the night of August 16, 2024, Mariel posted a photo of her and her husband Sen. Robinhood locked in a kiss to her Facebook. Mariel captions it with, "Oh may consent yan ah" followed by three kiss emojis.
In the comments section, Sen. Robin writes, "Hello babe I'm in heat" with Mariel replying, "it's a tie...i'm feeling hot hot hot."
Now, the couple has drawn heated arguments on the actress' page, with netizens quickly pointing out the problematic nature of the entire post.
On August 15, Robin made questionable statements during a Senate probe regarding sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, following complaints filed by actor Sandro Muhlach. The lawmaker then asked lawyer, Lorna Kapunan whether there was any way a husband could convince his wife to give into sex, should the latter refuse.
He said, "Mayroon kang sexual rights sa asawa mo. So halimbawa, hindi mo naman pinipili 'yung ‘in heat’. So paano 'yun kung ayaw ng asawa mo? So wala pong ibang paraan talaga? Para ma-ano 'yung lalaki, so paano 'yun, mambabae ka na lang ba?"
Sen. Robin also asked if men also had the right to refuse to have sex.
Atty. Lorna corrected the sentiments of the senator. "If your spouse refuses, whether valid or hindi, respetuhin natin ‘yung decision ng wife or ng husband in that case." She also emphasized how husbands and wives are equals in a marriage. "With all due respect, hindi po obligasyon ng isang wife, sabi mo is to 'serve the husband.'"
The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 defines rape as a crime against persons. Article 266-D under the said law emphasizes a person's right to consent: "Any physical overt act manifesting resistance against the act of rape in any degree from the offended party, or where the offended party is so situated as to render her/him incapable of giving valid consent, may be accepted as evidence in the prosecution of the acts punished under Article 266-A."
On August 12, 2024, Sen. Robin filed Senate Bill No. 2777 which seeks to make The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 "more gender-responsive and more progressive.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Commision on Women reminded the public on rules of consent. "No means no," it said on a Facebook post. Looks like the answer to Sen. Padilla's queries is as clear as day.
