Filipinos are accustomed to a culture where the father often has the final say in family decisions. From small matters to major issues, the father’s opinions and choices tend to dominate.
However, during the ‘Yes or No’ segment of the ‘CIA with BA’ episode on Sunday, October 6, a critical question was raised: Should the father always have the final say? Is there a legal basis for this, or is it more important to foster equality and shared decision-making within the family?
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, one of the hosts of the program, remarked, “Alam niyo, ‘yung ating batas, maraming pinanggagalingan ‘yan. Mostly, culture — part n’yan religion, part n’yan tradition, part n’yan ‘yung [kung] sinong namumuno, kung ano ang ideology or philosophy nila — then may historical context din.”
He also explained that in our context, there is both a historical basis and practical reasons for this.
He explained that in countries where men stay home while women work, the dynamic may take on a maternal nature. However, in our context, it is paternal. Still, he emphasized that even though the paternal role is more prominent here, it should not be the final authority.
“Hindi rin ‘yan dapat ang primary. Ang primary is mag-usap,” he said.
For his part, Boy Abunda shared his two cents’ worth: “Ang pagiging ama ay isang matinding responsibilidad. Ngunit kaakibat nito ay karapatang ibinibigay sa kanya ng batas. Dapat lang na gamitin ito ng mga tatay para sa ikabubuti at ikauunlad ng kanyang pamilya.”
‘CIA with BA’ continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
