Bill requiring gender sensitivity training filed

A lawmaker has filed a bill that would require all broadcast and cable TV firms to hold gender and disability sensitivity training for their content creators. In filing House Bill No. 6314, Parañaque Rep. Edwin Olivarez cited radio and TV programs that “knowingly or unknowingly” normalize rape, victim blaming, domestic abuse, toxic masculinity and ridicules persons with disability. Noncompliance, under the proposed measure, could be used as a ground for the suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal of a broadcast company’s franchise. He noted that media depiction of gender roles could have a significant impact on the real lives of members of an ordinary Filipino household, particularly children. —Jeannette I. Andrade