Viewers decry portrayal, abuse of women in 'Batang Quiapo'

Trigger Warning: Mentions of sexual abuse, rape

MANILA, Philippines — Viewers and social media users raised concern regarding the plight of a number of female characters in the nightly action show "FPJ's Batang Quiapo." 

On X, formerly Twitter, many shared their observation on how the show, starring and directed by Coco Martin, wrote the characters of the young Marites (Miles Ocampo), Bubbles (Ivana Alawi), Camille (Yuuki Takahashi) and Katherine (Ara Davao). 

The rape of the young Marites shook viewers when the show premiered in February last year. Ramon (portrayed by Coco, later Christopher de Leon) was fleeing authorities when he chanced upon the young Marites, whom he sexually assaulted. The assault resulted in Marites, who will be later portrayed by Cherry Pie Picache, giving birth to Tanggol (Coco), the show's protagonist. 

Marites' other son, David (McCoy de Leon), assaults his wife Camille (Takahashi) even though she was heavily pregnant. Camille has exited the show without even redeeming herself or David answering to his crimes. 

David moves on to a new wife, Katherine (Ara), who he forces himself on their honeymoon. 

The portrayal and abuse of these female characters did not sit well for many viewers, prompting them to air their frustration and critiques of the show on social media, notably X. 

"Me lang ba nakakapansin na halos pare-parehas lang nangyayari sa mga babaeng characters sa 'Batang Quiapo.' Nakakadiri kasi ganon na lang nang ganon 'yung ginagawa sa kanila. Rape=Patay. I mean it’s only a show but??????? Ganon na lang ba role ng mga babae sa 'Batang Quiapo,'" one online user lamented. 

Another one wrote, "Too much na 'yung r@pe scene sa 'Batang Quiapo.' Halos lahat na lang ng babaeng character nar@pe. Si Marites, si Mokang, si Camille, si Bubbles tas ngayon si Katherine. Sino susunod? Si Madonna at Tisay? Jusko. Lubayan nyo na 'yan."

Mokang was Tanggol's childhood friend and first love who died in the show. She was portrayed by Lovi Poe. Madonna and Tisay are the newly introduced characters in the show, portrayed by Kim Domingo and Barbie Imperial, respectively. 

Some called on the creatives of ABS-CBN, where the show currently airs on its