Broadcaster Jean Paul Generoso, host of the radio program 11MBPS on K5 News FM Bacolod, issued a public apology following backlash over a controversial rape joke made during a live broadcast.
The incident stemmed from Wednesday morning’s episode of the program, where Generoso reportedly joked about raping a female reporter while discussing a news report involving a father accused of physically abusing his six-year-old daughter at the Bacolod City Public Plaza.
According to reports, Generoso repeatedly used the word “rape” in a joking manner during the segment, which was accompanied by laughter on air.
The remarks immediately drew criticism online, with many netizens, organizations, and public officials condemning the broadcaster’s statements.
In an official statement posted on the station’s Facebook page, Generoso admitted that his remarks were inappropriate and unacceptable.
“During our discussion regarding the reported incident of a father physically abusing his minor daughter in public, I carelessly made an on-air joke referencing ‘rape’,” Generoso stated.
“While it was never my intention to mock or trivialize the suffering of victims, I now fully realize that using this term in a humorous context, especially on live radio, was deeply insensitive, irresponsible, and entirely unacceptable.”
He also acknowledged the gravity of rape and the trauma experienced by survivors and their families.
“I take full responsibility for my words. There is no excuse for this severe lapse in judgment,” he added.
Generoso extended an apology to women, abuse survivors, the public, and Bacolod officials, while emphasizing that the controversy served as an important lesson regarding the responsibilities of media practitioners.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of my duty to remain responsible, disciplined, and empathetic when leading public discussions on air,” he said.
He also thanked those who criticized him and vowed to learn from the incident.
“I accept this criticism with genuine humility, and I am fully committed to learning from this error, undergoing necessary self-reflection, and ensuring I do better moving forward.”
Among those who reacted to the issue was former ABS-CBN reporter Jacque Manabat, who reportedly called out the broadcaster online.
Meanwhile, Celia Flor also condemned the remarks and reminded the public that “rape is not a joke.”
The Gabriela Women’s Party likewise issued a statement criticizing the incident.
“In a time of increasing cases of violence against women and youth, everyone’s stance must be clear: rape is not a joke. It should not be made into a joke, content, or a gimmick for attention,” the group stated.
Gabriela also called for accountability and stronger safeguards against similar behavior in media spaces.
The Negros Press Club released its own statement condemning irresponsible broadcasting and emphasizing that such behavior has no place in journalism.
“We join the community in stating with conviction: rape is not a joke. It is a crime, and treating it as humor undermines survivors, erodes public trust, and violates the very purpose of the press,” the organization said.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines also criticized the incident, describing it as a case of sexual harassment involving a female reporter.
As of writing, discussions about the incident continue online, with many netizens emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and responsibility in media and public discourse.
