Voyeuristic Behavior Has No Place in Public Spaces: Protecting Ayala Avenue's Car-Free Sundays

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The joy of exercising and enjoying community spaces should come without fear of harassment or objectification. Ayala Avenue’s “Car-Free Sundays” in Makati City has been a haven for active lifestyles—where cyclists, joggers, and families come together to embrace a healthier way of living. However, recent incidents involving voyeuristic behavior have cast a shadow over this initiative, calling for swift action to protect the integrity of this space.

The Incident: A Breach of Trust in a Safe Space

A video posted by content creator Trebliw Anul has sparked outrage online. Under the guise of promoting biking and car-free initiatives, the video inappropriately featured female joggers, raising serious concerns about consent and respect in public spaces. This behavior is not only distasteful but could potentially violate the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), which explicitly condemns acts of sexual harassment in public spaces.

Why This Behavior Is Harmful

Public spaces are meant to foster inclusivity and safety. When women are objectified, it not only diminishes their sense of security but also perpetuates a culture where such behavior is normalized. Voyeuristic actions, whether intended as “entertainment” or not, cross the line into harassment.

By engaging in and sharing content that objectifies women, individuals like Anul not only infringe on others' rights but also undermine efforts to create a culture of respect and accountability. His own words—“Ano nanaman kaya sasabihin ng mga bashers natin?”—indicate awareness of wrongdoing, making the act even more egregious.

Why We Must Take Action Now

Car-Free Sundays are a privilege for the community, but they cannot thrive if women feel unsafe or unwelcome. It is imperative that stakeholders like Ayala Land, Inc. and Make It Makati address this issue. By ensuring stricter guidelines and taking action against offenders, they can maintain the integrity of this initiative. Additionally, the PNP Women and Children Protection Center must investigate and take necessary legal action if laws have been violated.

What Needs to Be Done

Community Responsibility:

Fellow cyclists, joggers, and active transport advocates must actively discourage and report such behavior. Silence can often be mistaken for complicity.

Immediate Reporting:

Content creators engaging in voyeuristic practices must be flagged to both authorities and hosting platforms. This ensures that these acts are documented and addressed.

Policy Enforcement:

Public initiatives like Car-Free Sundays should come with clear codes of conduct. Violators should face bans or other consequences to protect the space for others.

Calling Out Toxic Masculinity

This incident reflects a larger issue of toxic masculinity, where individuals resist accountability and trivialize their actions. Defenders of such behavior often hide behind the guise of humor or claim that it’s harmless. However, these actions erode trust and perpetuate harm in shared spaces.

The references to figures like Andrew Tate or Jordan Peterson highlight the ideological roots of this behavior. Such influences often glorify male entitlement while undermining the rights and dignity of others. It is crucial to challenge these perspectives and promote empathy, equality, and respect.

A Message to All Men

Men must take an active role in ensuring safe and respectful environments. This means not only refraining from inappropriate behavior but also calling out others who engage in it. Respect and consent are non-negotiable—public spaces are not a free pass to objectify or harass.

The Way Forward

Ayala Avenue’s Car-Free Sundays should remain a beacon of community and wellness, not a stage for predatory behavior. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in public spaces. By holding offenders accountable and fostering a culture of mutual respect, we can ensure that this initiative continues to thrive for all.

Let us collectively say NO to voyeuristic behavior and stand up for the principles of inclusion and safety. Together, we can make public spaces a true haven for everyone.

Report Harassment Today

If you witness or experience inappropriate behavior, report it to authorities or directly to platforms like Make It Makati and Ayala Land, Inc. Together, we can uphold the vision of a safe, car-free community.

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