It’s happened before, and to nobody’s surprise, it’s happening again: one of the Philippines’ most outspoken sexists seated in a public position adds more disgrace to his name. Tito Sotto requested Inquirer.net to take down articles detailing the rape allegations which tag him. We know it’s been reported too many times, but hearing about the predator’s guts to request the removal of Pepsi Paloma articles irks all of us. Scratch that, irk is too weak a word. It angers us.
While Inquirer.NET has yet to decide on his request, many expressed their retaliations on the issue, which we think are about right. These are some who branded this act as censorship:
The Streisand Effect is a phenomenon where an attempt to hide, remove, or censor a juicy piece of information attracts more attention and makes things worse.
Hello, Tito Sotto.
— Miss Maggie (@MiaMagdalena) June 16, 2018
Tito Sotto: “Hey Inquirer, take down the Pepsi Paloma posts”
Streisand Effect: EAT BULAGA!
— Tonyo Cruz (@tonyocruz) June 17, 2018
On top of that, Tito Sotto dares to use politics for his personal issues, which reveals nothing but his ludicrous desperation. He so badly wants to censor the freedom of the press to the extent of power playing.
https://twitter.com/IAmGuammer/status/1008105106489860096
Some took preliminary measures by transcribing the article on Twitter in case the predator is granted his request. Here are some links you can save as proof, and access if the future is bleak.
https://twitter.com/mlizada/status/1007990060761808896
ipapadelete to ni Sotto soon, so instead of sharing the link, here's a thread about the The rape of Pepsi Paloma by Rodel Rodis
(thread)
— Kimberly Mae (@leanbaccay) June 16, 2018
Tito Sotto asked Inquirer to delete articles about Pepsi Paloma. Let’s spread it around.
The Rape of Pepsi Palomahttps://t.co/ox6aR3MEeT
Was Pepsi Paloma Murdered?https://t.co/3eyMjKZtyL
Tito Sotto Denies Whitewashing Pepsi Paloma Rape Casehttps://t.co/JCCmu0bHC4 pic.twitter.com/eW4MUekayX
— ＡＬＥＸ ❁ 𝕏 (@kimbamheo) June 16, 2018
#PepsiPaloma
Pepsi Paloma
tito sotto
Senate President#JusticeForPepsiPaloma
This is a collage of the funeral (CTTO) pic.twitter.com/PcCwSGXfcS
— Laurene II (@RenHu2) June 18, 2018
Of course, there are those who took humor as an outlet, which makes Tito Sotto look more ridiculous than he already is. It is both comedic and depressing to see that the Philippines’ Senate President is as crude as this.
In commemoration of our country's independence, Manny Pacquiao and Tito Sotto will lead the nationwide synchronized singing of the National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/xPEpw5YqMs
— Malacañang Events and Catering Services (@MalacananEvents) June 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/shezzaho/status/1007955504507731968
At the end of the day, a predator strikes again by abusing his power to censor the freedom of the press to write, the citizens to speculate, and women to speak up. Although this is not surprising with so many controversies revolving his name, it still unfailingly triggers us to see a politician do such things–all after the rape of Pepsi Paloma. So here are some words to him: Not today, Tito Sotto, not anymore.
Featured image by Aaron Silao