Rape isn't a joke—Liza Soberano files a case against a netizen

The internet is still riddled with offhand and deliberate rape remarks in 2020 but a growing number of people are finally learning that these malicious statements have consequences. Today, Liza Soberano filed a criminal case against an alleged Converge ICT employee who made a rape comment about her.

JUST IN: Actress Liza Soberano files formal criminal case against the netizen who made a 'rape remark'. Liza was accompanied by her manager Ogie Diaz and legal counsel. | via @mjfelipe pic.twitter.com/4Kfhib0lqV

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 24, 2020

According to ABS-CBN, the actress was joined by her manager Ogie Diaz and her legal counsel Atty. Jun Lim when she took her oath before Deputy City Prosecutor Irene Ressureccion this morning. According to Atty. Lim, the remark found in a thread of comments under a Facebook post is a clear violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175).

“It sounded like ‘Wala na daw akong trabaho. So I can do anything I want, di bale na raw masira ang image ko tapos masarap ipa-rape,’” said Soberano. “I was really upset because the fact that it is a rape joke, it is not something that should be taken lightly. And the fact that she is a woman, I would never in a million years do a joke like that.” The comment was made after her tweet asking Converge to fix its internet speed went viral.

She added, “I know that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, that is true, but at some point you have to be respectful to others online. I want people to learn that there are consequences to everything, like rape jokes, because that is not a light matter.”

On Sept. 21, Converge ICT published a statement on Facebook that read, “We are deeply concerned about the wrongful comments and behavior of some employees over social media. We do not tolerate such actions toward any customer and emphasize that their personal opinions do not reflect the company’s perspective, values, and culture. We are currently dealing with this matter and we will carry out disciplinary measures accordingly.”

We are deeply concerned about the wrongful comments and behavior of some employees over social media. We do not tolerate…

Posted by Converge ICT Solutions Inc. on Sunday, September 20, 2020

“In filing this criminal complaint, we believe that our client, Ms. Liza Soberano, merely asserted her right to be treated with respect. She stood up not just for herself but also on behalf of those silent victims of ‘rape jokes’ and malicious statements perpetrated by a few irresponsible members of the social media community. Ms. Soberano reminds us once again that women must be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their status in life,” Soberano’s legal counsel said in a statement.

Gabriela Women’s Party extended their support to Liza in a series of tweets bearing the tags #StandWithLiza and #LabananAngAbuso. “Women have been receiving rape threats online for voicing out their opinions on social issues. Again, WOMEN WILL NOT BE SILENCED. We stand with Liza during this critical time when violence against women is increasing due to the intensifying culture of impunity,” the group wrote.

Liza Soberano is an inspiration for a number of women who may have had similar experiences but were made to feel that these comments can be brushed off. Enough is enough.

Photo screengrab from the “Alone/Together” trailer

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