Senator Robin Padilla issued an apology on Monday, clarifying his remarks during a recent Senate panel hearing that explored sexual dynamics between couples and the significance of consent. Padilla explained that his questions were “hypothetical” and intended to foster discussion on the topic.
The senator emphasized that his inquiries were designed to spark a conversation and provide clarity, particularly on the issue of marital rape. He acknowledged that his line of questioning stemmed from his desire to guide the public on this sensitive matter.
Padilla’s questions during the hearing, which included asking lawyer Lorna Kapunan about a husband’s options when in the mood for sex but his partner is not, and the concept of “sexual rights” of a husband, sparked backlash from women’s groups and netizens who found the comments “sexist.”
The hearing, which was initially set to investigate sexual harassment cases in television networks, shifted focus as Padilla aimed to explore potential amendments to existing laws.