1 week Ago By Michelle Abad
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday, April 9, wrote to Manila councilor candidate Mocha Uson, expressing “concern” over the “sexually suggestive” elements in her campaign jingle.The letter, penned by Director Sonia Wee-Lozada, said that while the commission understands that political campaigns often aim to capture attention and engage voters, they believe it is crucial to approach voters by being “direct to the point.
” The campaign jingle of blogger Mocha Uson, whose full name is Esther Margaux Uson, went viral for its suggestive lyrics: “Cookie ni Mocha, ang sarap-sarap (Mocha’s cookie is delicious)!”Lozada leads Comelec’s Task Force SAFE, the task force in charge of implementing the poll body’s resolution on anti-discrimination. A supplementary resolution promulgated on Tuesday, April 8, adds immoral doctrines, obscene publications, exhibitions, and indecent shows as one of the prohibited acts during election activities.“Puns and double meanings may be used as literary devices in campaigns, but we hope that these are used not to distract from your political platform or skirt the line between accepted speech and obscenity, as we are in the context of elections,” wrote Lozada.
She said that sexually suggestive elements could detract from “serious discussions” about policy, governance, and the future of communities.Still, Lozada said the commission did not mean to belittle Uson’s campaign based on sexually positive themes.“If this is your message to the constituency of the third district of Manila, then, by all means, we hope you will proceed with your candidacy and campaign along those lines, albeit in a more deliberate manner with proper regard for age appropriateness,” Lozada wrote.
The commission trusted Uson would reflect on her campaign and “make choices that elevate political participation and discourse.”Comelec Chairman George Garcia earlier mentioned to the press that the commission would take action on Uson’s campaign jingle, although he did not name her then.“Para naman po sa ating lahat ito.
Puwede naman po tayong mga kampanya ng kakanta lang, mga kampanya na magsasalita kung ano ang kailangang gawin mo sa bayan mo at sa siyudad. Pero ‘wag naman po ‘yung parang nababastos din ‘yung ibang grupo o ‘yung ibang nakakapakinig at nakakapanood sa inyo,” said Garcia in an interview with reporters on Tuesday.(This is for all of us.
We can campaign with just singing and talking about what you will do for your country and your city. But let’s not do things that other groups, or some of your listeners or watchers may take offense at.) Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman earlier expressed concern over Uson’s campaign jingle as well, saying in an open letter to the candidate, “Gender should not be used as a gimmick.
” Uson previously figured in a similar controversy when she was an assistant communications secretary under then-president Rodrigo Duterte, over a lewd dance video promoting federalism, which federalism advocates themselves slammed. – Rappler.com.
