Philippine news anchor faces backlash over on-air rape joke at colleague
A Bacolod-based news anchor has come under fire for making an on-air rape joke directed at a female reporter. The incident has sparked calls for stronger protections against sexual harassment in newsrooms across the Philippines. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) is now urging media organisations to take immediate action. During a live broadcast, the anchor asked the female reporter whether he could rape her so he would end up in jail. The remark was met with shock, prompting the reporter and another colleague to file formal complaints. They accused the anchor of lasciviousness and gender-based sexual harassment.
In response, the anchor issued an apology. However, his statement did not address the specific nature of his offensive comment. The NUJP has since thrown its support behind the two complainants, condemning the anchor’s behaviour. The case highlights a broader issue within the media industry. Many newsrooms still lack clear policies on sexual harassment, leaving employees without proper protection. Even where laws and local ordinances exist, deep-rooted misogyny and macho culture often go unchallenged. As a result, incidents frequently remain underreported due to fear of retaliation and social stigma. NUJP is now pushing for newsrooms to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment. The union demands the creation of safe, inclusive workplaces where women journalists can perform their duties without facing discrimination or abuse.
The incident has exposed gaps in workplace safety for media professionals. NUJP’s call for stricter policies and enforcement aims to prevent similar cases in the future. Without systemic change, the union warns, harassment and inequality in newsrooms will persist.
