Solo Parents Party-list slams misogynistic joke by Cavite politician

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MANILA, Philippines  – The Solo Parents Party-list issued a strong official statement condemning what it described as “misogynistic and deeply offensive” remarks made by Atty. Alston Kevin Anarna during a recent public campaign event in Cavite, where he suggested raffling off solo parents, men and women, to be paired together.

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In a widely circulated video clip from Anarna’s campaign, the incumbent Silang mayor can be heard making light of solo parenting, implying that solo mothers and solo fathers could be “raffled” off and matched with one another and be wed — as if to solve their singlehood.

The Solo Parents Party-list, known for championing the rights and welfare of solo parents across the country, did not mince words in its rebuke.

“Why are misogynistic and dehumanizing jokes being normalized? Nothing in those statements are funny, and solo parents should not be made as mere entertainment!” said the partylist in its official release.

“Statements of such nature should not be taken lightly and to reduce their lives and struggles to a raffle joke is unacceptable and reinforces harmful stereotypes.”

The partylist emphasized that solo parenthood is not a punchline, and they will continue to be the voice of solo parents to create a society where silent struggles of solo parents will be heard.

Respect, inclusivity, and protection for solo parents in the Philippines will be the group’s battlcry, the partylist stated.

Several solo parents have also expressed solidarity with the Solo Parents Party-list and echoed the call for more respectful discourse in political campaigns.