MTRCB urged to probe PBB's 'nude' episode

MANILA, Philippines - A government body advocating for women's rights has called on the Movie Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) to look into the episode of a local reality TV show in which a female contestant was compelled to pose nude for a painting.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) was referring to June 4 episode of ABS-CBN’s "Pinoy Big Brother All-In," where "Big Brother" or "Kuya" challenged 23-year-old Jayme Jalandoni of Parañaque City to pose nude for a painting, which is part of a weekly task.

Jalandoni initially rejected the idea of posing nude but eventually accepted the challenge.

"'Kuya's' exercise of authority over her is evidently suggestive; placing the female contestant under pressure amid the latter’s rejection of the challenge," the PCW said in a statement.

"PCW sees nothing wrong with women posing nude for art, but it should be a woman's free choice to do so," the Commission added.

The PCW also warned "Kuya" who has violated the contestant's right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief with his prodding.

"The episode showed the broadcast media’s coldhearted perpetuation of exploitation of women on national TV. No individual, television show or entity has the right to cause discrimination, insecurity, discomfort, offense or humiliation to any woman.

"We urge all media organizations to exercise gender-sensitivity and to promote the dignity of women and their roles and contributions in all spheres of private and public life. Section 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) clearly states that media organizations shall not induce encourage and/or condone violence against women in any form and/or the violation of their human rights," the PCW said.