The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Negros Occidental Chapter on Thursday, May 21, slammed a rape joke made by a Bacolod radio station anchorman on Wednesday.
Rods Palma, K5 News FM Bacolod station manager, said anchorman Jean Paul C. Generoso, who also serves as the network’s Vice President for Administration and Human Resources, has been suspended.
Palma, in an interview with GMA News, said, “We promise our listeners that management takes these matters seriously. Whoever commits violations faces sanctions. We already took action and suspended him. We do not tolerate this.”
Generoso has been the subject of widespread criticism for telling a female reporter on-air that he would rape her so he could “go to jail” alongside a father who had recently beaten up his child at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
The anchorman repeatedly used the word “rape” as a joke, which was accompanied by the sound of laughter on the broadcast.
Following the backlash, Generoso issued an official apology on Wednesday via the K5 News FM Bacolod social media page for the “inappropriate statement”.
PTFOMS said, “these remarks involved jokes and comments that trivialized rape and violence against women. While freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental pillars of a democratic society, they also carry the responsibility to uphold professionalism, decency, and respect for human dignity.” Media platforms must never be used to normalize violence, demean victims, or perpetuate harmful narratives disguised as humor, it said.
Comments that make light of rape and sexual violence are unacceptable and have no place in responsible journalism and broadcasting, PTFOMS said.
Such statements undermine ongoing efforts to protect women, promote gender sensitivity, and create safe spaces in media and society, it added.
PTFOMS acknowledges the public apology issued by the broadcaster concerned.
However, this incident serves as a serious reminder to all media practitioners, broadcasters, and content creators that words spoken over public platforms have significant impact and influence, it said.
“We urge media organizations, broadcasters’ associations, and regulatory agencies to continue strengthening ethical standards, gender sensitivity training, and accountability mechanisms within the industry,” it said.
Responsible journalism is crucial in maintaining public trust and preserving the integrity of the profession, PTFOMS said.
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Negros Occidental Chapter (KBP-NOC) reminded all broadcasters, radio hosts, commentators, DJs, and media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, decency, and responsibility on air.
The rape statements of the anchorman of a non-KBP member station are unacceptable and cast a bad light on the profession, it said.
“Rape and all forms of sexual violence are serious crimes that inflict deep trauma on victims and their families,” it said.
KBP – Negros Occidental Chapter said it is in solidarity with the general public in condemning in the highest terms this dishonorable act. It called on the National Telecommunications Commission Broadcast Division, the City Government of Bacolod, and all authorities to take decisive and definite actions “pertaining to this impermissible act”.
The College Editors Guild of the Philippines – Negros Island Region said, “this incident is not a mere lapse in judgment but a grave violation of ethical reportage and a direct assault on the dignity of women in the newsroom.”
“Journalism must be practiced in spaces free from harassment, intimidation, and gender-based violence. And to normalize such behavior is to betray the very principles of press freedom and public accountability,” it added.*
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