A senator in the Philippines faces considerable backlash online after raising a controversial question in parliament regarding whether husbands possess “sexual rights” over their wives.
The remarks, made by Senator Robin Padilla during a session focused on sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, ignited a firestorm of criticism. Padilla, a former actor turned lawmaker, made the inquiry to a well-known human rights lawyer who was present as an expert during the proceedings.
During the hearing, Padilla posed a provocative question about the expectations husbands might have if they desire intimacy while their wives do not. The lawyer, in response, suggested alternatives such as “watching Netflix.”
Padilla, a prominent public figure who topped the senatorial elections in 2022, further complicated the conversation by implying that some husbands perceive their wives as existing primarily to serve them. The lawyer countered his assertions by emphasizing that it is not a wife’s duty to serve her husband.
The senator’s comments have led to a considerable outcry on social media, with many users expressing their disapproval. One remark pointedly questioned whether Padilla views wives as “personal sex workers.” Human rights advocates have reiterated that husbands do not have inherent “sexual rights” over their spouses, insisting that mutual respect and consent are paramount.
Calls for legal reform have also surfaced in light of Padilla’s statements, with some proposing that his remarks bolster the argument for legalizing divorce in the Philippines, the only country aside from the Vatican where divorce remains illegal.
As a former celebrity with a checkered past, including a conviction for illegal possession of firearms, Padilla continues to be a polarizing figure in Filipino politics. Having dramatically transformed his life after serving time, he garnered significant public support in his return to the entertainment industry and subsequent foray into politics.
This incident has reignited discussions about gender equality and marital rights in a deeply Catholic nation where traditional views on marriage persist.
