“Sayang… I know you're capable of so much more.”
Naglabas ng open letter si Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman para kay Mocha Uson, na tumatakbong konsehal sa ikatlong distrito ng Maynila, matapos niyang makita ang campaign jingle nitong “Cookie ni Mocha, ang sarap-sarap.”
Matatandaang naging usap-usapan ang naging campaign jingle ni Mocha na unang napakinggan sa isinagawa nilang proclamation rally noong Marso 30, 2025, kasama ang kapartido niyang tumatakbong alkalde ng Maynila na si dating Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
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Kaugnay nito, sa isang Facebook post nitong Biyernes, Abril 6, binanggit ni Roman na sa ilang taon nilang pag-uusap ni Mocha ay nakita raw nito ang passion para sa serbisyo publiko, kaya’t nalungkot daw siya sa naturang campaign jingle nito.
“We’ve shared many conversations over the years, and I’ve seen your heart—your passion for public service, your desire to connect with the masses, and your fearlessness in navigating spaces that are not always welcoming to strong, outspoken women. I admire that. That fire has always set you apart. But, Mocha, as someone who has also dedicated her life to public service and as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, I feel compelled to speak to you now—not as a critic, but as a sister,” nakasaad sa sulat ni Roman para kay Mocha.
“When I recently saw the video of your campaign jingle—’Cookie ni Mocha, ang sarap-sarap”—I felt a deep pang of sadness. Not because I think you meant harm. In fact, I heard it was also used to help raise funds for a breast cancer patient, and I honor that act of generosity.
“But still, I couldn’t help but think: sayang. Not because I believe you intended harm, but because I know you're capable of so much more. I know that you, like me, have fought to be taken seriously, to be seen not for our gender or bodies, but for the substance of our convictions,” dagdag niya.
Ayon pa sa mambabatas, tila nawawala umano ang respetong pinaglalaban nila dahil sa “objectification of our bodies” kahit na patawa lamang daw o satire.
“It reinforces the same narratives we’ve both worked so hard to change—that a woman’s worth is tied to her physicality, not her mind or mission,” ani Roman.
“Mocha, our people are hungry—not for cookies or catchy tunes—but for solutions, jobs, decent healthcare, and a future for their children. Ibigay natin ito sa kanila. Let us level up our discourse and offer platforms that resonate with the hopes and dreams of the Filipino people.”
Hiniling din ni Roman kay Mocha na bagama’t mahalaga ang “creativity” para makipagkonekta sa tao, dapat daw na hindi nito makompromiso ang kanilang mensahe.
“We have said time and again that gender should not be used as a gimmick. Hindi ito palabas. Hindi ito biruan,” pagbibigay-diin ni Roman.
“Today, I write to you through this open letter because I believe this conversation is bigger than the two of us. It’s for every public figure, influencer, and citizen who holds a mic or a camera. Maging paalala sana ito na may bigat ang bawat salitang binibitawan natin. That our platforms are a privilege, and we owe it to the public—lalo na sa mga batang babaeng tumitingala sa atin—na gamitin ito nang may malasakit at respeto.
“Let us meet our constituents not with distraction, but with depth. Not with gimmicks, but with vision.
“Mocha, I believe you have the heart, the reach, and the strength to inspire real change. Let’s raise the level of political discourse and show our country what true leadership looks like—one grounded in integrity, respect, and purpose,” mensahe pa niya kay Mocha.
Habang sinusulat ito’y wala pa namang tugon o reaksiyon si Mocha sa open letter ni Roman.
