“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.”
This was what the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality Chairperson and Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman wrote in an open letter on Sunday evening, April 6, calling out vlogger and political aspirant Mocha Uson’s “cookie” campaign jingle.
Over the years, the lawmaker said she had many conversations with Uson, and saw the latter’s passion for public service and desire to connect with the masses. She continued, stating she admired the latter’s fearlessness in navigating spaces that are not always welcoming to strong, outspoken women.
However, as someone who had also dedicated her life to public service, Roman highlighted that she feels compelled to speak to her, not as a critic, but as a sister.
“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,” she wrote.
“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,” she added.
Roman emphasized that Uson has a platform that many people dream of, and that people listen when she speaks. However, the position she’s running for requires them to lead with dignity, purpose, and clarity.
The objectification of women’s bodies chips away at the respect of what women have fought for over the years, regardless of whether it was intended as a joke or satire, the lawmaker said. She added how it reinforces the same narratives women have worked so hard to change and challenge.
“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,” she highlighted.
Roman also mentioned that creativity must never come at the cost of their message, adding that gender should not be used as a gimmick.
“Hindi ito palabas. Hindi ito biruan,” she expressed.
“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,” she said.
Having such platforms is a privilege. Roman pointed out that they owe the public, especially girls, to use it with care and respect.
“Let us meet our constituents not with distraction, but with depth. Not with gimmicks, but with vision,” she stated.
“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,” her letter ended.
