Random Musings on the Ethics of Election Twerking

During Session 6 of the Lasallian Business Leadership class, the ethical reasoning based on the principles of Utilitarianism, Rights, Justice and Fairness, Ethics of Care and Virtue Ethics was discussed. For this edition of my blog, I would like to relate these principles and how it applies to one of the hot-button issues of the day, the raunchy performance of the Playgirls during the Liberal Party gathering.

First, a little background. As reported by several broadsheets, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer, last October 1, 2015, during the Liberal Party oath-taking of some 80 local officials and simultaneously, the birthday celebration of Laguna Rep. Benjie Agarao, the sexy dance group the Playgirls did the twerk onstage, with the active participation of these local officials. The Playgirls were reportedly a “gift” by MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino to spice up a rather humdrum affair.

Using the Ethics Framework, let us analyse further this issue:

Utilitarian – Does the action maximize net social utility? Who benefits? Who are harmed? What’s the balance?

In this situation, the immediate beneficiaries of this action are obviously the male members of the gathering; in fact, it was reported that the “mostly middle-aged audience wildly cheered the performance.” The Playgirls benefited too as according to their manager, ever since the issue erupted, they have been swamped with more bookings. Those who were harmed, however, were women’s groups who felt demeaned by this dance and especially minors who were also watching the rather “adult” performance. The action seemed at first to maximize net social utility but with the negative feedback that had been generated, its effects would have been minimized.

Rights – Is it consistent with the moral rights of those affected? Whose rights are promoted? Whose rights are violated?

Watching the enjoyment of the male members of the party, it seems that moral rights were not a primary concern to them. The rights of Chairman Tolentino to hire the Playgirls and the right of this group to earn a living, “trabaho lang,” are promoted. The rights of the female LP party members who were offended are those that are violated.

Justice and Fairness – Does it lead to just distribution? Is it fair? What if it were done to us? What if everybody did it?

The action was fair if one considers it as a purely business transaction. However, if public funds were used to hire the Playgirls, it would not only be unfair, but may be illegal.

Ethics of Care – Does it exhibit appropriate care for those with whom we have special relationships? Will it enhance trusting relationships with people we care about or whose relationships we value?

With the “kumpare” system of our society, Chairman Tolentino may have felt that he cared for his fellow party members by hiring the Playgirls. However, with the resulting backlash and come election time, will the voters care enough for the Liberal Party by giving them their votes?

Virtue Ethics – How will this act help me to develop a morally virtuous character? Will it make me a better person?

As savvy politicians, the Liberal Party members should know better than to hire a sexy dance group in an official party function.

This issue further proves the interconnection of showbiz and politics in the Philippine society, the “old song-and-dance routine regularly performed by aspirants of public office.” The positive outcome, however, that may result is that voters may choose this coming election to select ethical and moral leaders that would work, rather than twerk.