Misogynistic politics endures in the Philippines despite crackdown

Abstract

Despite the landmark effort by the Philippines’ Commission on Elections to formally penalise misogynistic campaign speech, misogyny continues to endure in Philippine politics. Issuance of show-cause orders against candidates for sexist remarks during the 2025 midterm elections marked a narrative shift, framing gender-based harassment as an electoral offence. But this shift remains precarious without consistent enforcement. While the resolution empowered media scrutiny and civil society action, it risks dulling feminist critique if not backed by tangible consequences. In a political culture where sexist rhetoric can attract attention and electoral gain, dismantling patriarchal structures requires more than legal reform — it demands sustained accountability, cross-sector alliances and cultural transformation to make misogyny politically costly rather than advantageous.