Abstract

In Philippine society, jokes are an integral element, whether polemical or verbal. But at no instance should any sexist, patriarchal, machismo, or misogynistic remark that reinforces a culture of impunity such as touching, rape, pain, and abuse be considered a “good joke.” Duterte jokes, especially his phallic jokes, became popular in media and was viewed as a “ridiculous” statement that, in fact, ran over some Filipino customs and culture. The purpose of this study is to take a critical analysis at Duterte’s remarks that are directly related to his being a phallocrat, a type of leader who is a sexist patriarch. From its two statements regarding his virile organ with length that reaches his navel (2019) and his own interpretation of utog (2017 and 2019), it examined how this type of jokes prevailed, accepted, and laughed at by the audience. This part of the study focuses on the context of the popularity of Duterte’s obscene jokes. It is a myth that his phallocratic jokes have descended on the understanding of the masses and reflect the image of the Filipino people, because when examined, he actually desecrated the culture and consciousness of the Filipinos. Through this, the phenomenon of how and why post-colonial phallocrats like Duterte managed to win over the hearts of the people, via jokes is demonstrated.