It is safe to say these days that what is cultural is political to defy beliefs that a certain industry or aspect of life is just limited to its given attributes.
It is more than exclusive.
It is, as a matter of fact, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary.
For instance, show business as a field isn't merely a cultural avenue.
Since time immemorial, showbiz has been associated and attuned with other realities and personages outside its spheres like politics, government personnel, public service, historical figures, newsmakers etc.
Remember that the first politician-actor isn’t Rogelio de la Rosa but the film pioneer and auteur, Vicente Salumbides who was one of the delegates to the 1935 Constitutional Convention and mayor of Lopez, Quezon during the Japanese time.
Show business embraces a lot of social fields.
Take the case of the latest privilege speech done by Jesus "Bong" Suntay, congressman of the Fourth District of Quezon during the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte where he made an analogy between what he perceived that the sedition, insurrection and act of political destabilization threats of Duterte and the beauty of actress Anne Curtis triggering sensual and sexual aggression are just imaginations.
And so the gentleman from QC was bombarded with negative reactions.
Many of Anne's defenders and sympathizers said that Suntay's remarks were misogynistic.
Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list representative Leila de Lima said that women should be given their due respect.
De Lima said that Suntay's statements were "unacceptable and disturbing."
"This sexist and misogynistic statement should not be tolerated in any space in our society, especially in Congress and other government institutions.
"Misogyny and discrimination proliferate in spaces where offenders are tolerated, or worse, applauded.
"Women are not objects. Women are not a means of achieving other people’s desires. Women’s issues must not be trivialized or downplayed. Hindi ito biro (This isn’t a joke).
"Our public officials should lead the fight against such behavior, rather than enable the objectification of women.
"Malinaw din dapat sa lahat: Ang paggalang sa kababaihan ay hindi lang ginagawa tuwing Buwan ng mga Kababaihan. Ito ang marapat na isinasabuhay sa isang lipunang disente, makatarungan at may pagkakapantay-pantay (It should also be clear to all: Respect for women must not only be applied during Women's Month. This must be embodied in a society which is decent, just and fair," de Lima emphasized.
March is celebrated as Women's Month, locally and internationally.
Actor and entertainment industry analyst Joel Saracho also Suntay's remarks were uncalled for.
"They are anti-women sentiments," said Joel, a fierce critic against the Duterte power structure.
Anne's sister, actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith said that women should be taken seriously in this day and age of reason.
Award-winning actress Angel Locsin quipped humorously by looking for a "pamalo (spanker like a stick)" to suggestively hit Suntay.
Viva Entertainment star Nadine Lustre lambasted Suntay. by saying strong statements condemning disrespect toward women, as the incident continues to spark online discussions on accountability and public conduct.
Meanwhile, Bong had already apologized for commenting on Anne during the impeachment trial of Duterte.
In an interview with television broadcaster Karen Davila, the QC representative said he should have used a different analogy.
He also admitted that he hasn't seen Curtis in a mall to describe her as an object of male sexual fantasies.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #Imagery

