By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has strongly condemned statements aired in a radio broadcast that allegedly treated sexual assault and violence against women as a subject of humor, calling the incident a “failure of empathy” and a betrayal of public trust.

In a statement, Gasataya said discussions involving rape and abuse, particularly cases involving minors, should never be reduced to jokes, stressing that such remarks expose a deeper cultural problem that must be addressed beyond a simple apology.

The mayor revealed that he personally reached out to the management of the involved radio station following the controversy.

According to him, the broadcaster has since issued a public apology, received a notice to explain, and was placed under preventive suspension pending further evaluation by management.

Gasataya, who previously worked in broadcasting, underscored the responsibility carried by media practitioners and broadcasters in shaping public discourse.

“Media platforms wield significant influence and therefore must uphold the highest levels of responsibility, sensitivity and respect,” he said, adding that public platforms should be used to uplift communities rather than demean women or reopen the trauma experienced by survivors of abuse.

The mayor also emphasized that ensuring safe spaces for women is not only a moral obligation but also a legal mandate under the Safe Spaces Act and Bacolod City’s “Bawal Bastos” Ordinance.

He said these protections should extend beyond public spaces and into digital and media environments.

Gasataya called on media practitioners and broadcast management to exercise greater accountability and sensitivity in public communication, especially on issues involving violence against women and children.

He assured that the city government remains committed to supporting women and individuals seeking assistance, reiterating that the city aims to remain a place where women are respected, protected and valued./CJ, WDJ