MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla has faced significant criticism on social media for his remarks on sexual rights.

During a recent Senate hearing, the actor-politician insisted on his belief that he has “sexual rights” over his wife. This prompted Atty. Lorna Kapunan, a resource person, to discuss different solutions for a husband whose partner refuses sex.

“Hindi mo maiaalis sa mag-asawa na ang paniwala, lalo kami, ako, meron kang sexual rights sa asawa mo, e,” Padilla said.

“So, halimbawa, hindi mo naman pinipili, e, kung kailan ka yung in heat, ano? So, papano yun, pag ayaw ng asawa mo? So, wala kang ibang paraan talaga, para maano yung lalaki? So, paano? Mambabae ka na lang ba?” Padilla added.

“E, di kaso na naman yun. Ano ang puwede mong sabihin sa asawa mo na wala sa batas? Paano naman ako? Wala ka sa mood. Paano ako, nasa mood?” the senator stressed.

In response, Atty. Lorna Kapunan replied, “Kung minsan kasi, yung ‘no’ naman ng babae, hindi naman ano, hindi naman arbitrary. For instance… lasing yung asawa or under the influence of drugs at gustong makipag-sex with the wife, ano. Siyempre under that circumstance, nagiging violent. Hindi out of love.”

Padilla continued with his questions: “Siguro naman, sasang-ayon naman sa akin ang taumbayan na may iba talagang urge ang mga lalaki talaga. May urge na talagang andun, e. So, papano yun? Andiyan yung asawa mo to serve you, ayaw niya? Anong puwedeng gawin para hindi ako mareklamo ng asawa ko?”

“Counselling po ang kailangan diyan o magdasal na lang kayo (or) manood na lang kayo ng Netflix o ng Koreanovela,” Kapunan replied.

“If your spouse refuses, whether valid or hindi, respetuhin natin yung decision ng wife or nung husband in that case… With all due respect, hindi po obligasyon ng isang wife, sabi mo, is to serve the husband,” Kapunan stressed.

“In fact, idadagdag ko lang, kasi marami pong lalaking nakikinig, sa Family Code po natin… we amended it to remove the obligation of obedience. Sa old civil code, 1930s din yung old civil code na yan, nakalagay diyan, ‘the wife should obey the husband.’ Ngayon, wala nang obey-obey ng husband. Pinalitan na yan. Yung Family Code, ini-revise nung 1988. Ang nakalagay na diyan, ‘husband and wife are obliged to mutually respect each other.’ So, mutual respect na ngayon,” Kapunan added.

Padilla’s Language Criticized as Machismo, Misogyny

Women’s group Gabriela condemned Sen. Padilla for his comments regarding sexual rights.

In a statement, Gabriela criticized Padilla’s remarks as reeking of machismo and misogyny.

“His line of questioning … not only disrespects women but also trivializes the serious issue of consent,” the statement said.

“A woman’s right to say no is fundamental and absolute, regardless of marital status,” said Clarice Palce, Gabriela’s Secretary-General.

[Padilla’s] “audacity to question a woman’s right to her own body is a glaring example of the deeply rooted machismo that continues to plague our society,” Palce added.

📷 Robin Padilla FB