Artists’ group slams body shaming of protester, urges focus on corruption

• Protester Nath faced body shaming online after performing an anti-corruption song at a rally
• Netizens mocked her armpits instead of focusing on her message against government corruption
• Artists’ group Sining Tinta condemned the ridicule, calling body shaming a “state-imposed, capitalist aesthetic”
• The group urged the public to direct outrage toward corruption, injustice, and abuse of power

A cultural mass organization of artists and advocates has condemned the body shaming directed at one of its members who took part in the recent mass anti-corruption protests.

The protester, identified as Nath, was recorded performing a song that denounced government corruption during one of the rallies.

However, instead of focusing on her message, some netizens flooded the video with mocking comments about her armpits.

The group Sining Tinta denounced the online ridicule, saying the attention to Nath’s appearance reflected a broader societal problem.

“Sining Lila denounces this culture of body shaming — a product of a state-imposed, capitalist aesthetic that dictates how women and que&r bodies should look and behave,” the organization said in a statement.

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The group urged the public not to be distracted by superficial attacks, stressing that the real shame lies in corruption and injustice.

“What is shameful, disgusting, and unacceptable is the continued looting of public funds, the abuse of power, and the impunity enjoyed by corrupt government officials,” it said.

Sining Tinta further emphasized that the criticism aimed at Nath highlighted misplaced priorities.

“It is not armpit hair that should offend us — it is the theft of public wealth, the silencing of voices, and the continued suffering of the Filipino people under a rotten, unjust system,” the group added.

In its statement, the organization reiterated its call for accountability and solidarity, noting that attention should remain on systemic corruption and abuse of power rather than policing bodies.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories for all of the ordinary people in the country.

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In other news, contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Sarah Discaya went to the DOJ to seek inclusion in the Witness Protection Program (WPP). Curlee, detained by the Senate for contempt, presented his affidavit for review by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The couple offered to name lawmakers, staff, and DPWH officials allegedly tied to flood control corruption but must return ill-gotten wealth first. DOJ stressed that WPP protection is a privilege, warning that false testimony could lead to perjury charges or detention.

Meanwhile, “The Clash” 2025 winner Jong Madaliday turned emotional after watching his mother’s heartfelt video message on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda." Jong revealed it was his mother who convinced him to join the competition again despite his self-doubts. He first competed in 2018’s Season 1 as runner-up before finally becoming champion this year. Jong thanked his mother for being his source of strength, saying she was the only one who never lost faith in him.

Source: KAMI.com.gh