MMDA takes down ‘sexist’ anti-smoking ad, says sorry

The allegedly “sexist” MMDA ad which was slammed by netizens.

After drawing flak on social media, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday took down a “sexist” advertisement that appeared to promote a dominant gender while seeking to stop smoking in public places.

BACKSTORY: ‘Sexist’ MMDA ad banning public smoking irks netizens

In a statement issued on its Facebook page, the MMDA apologized for anyone who were offended on one of its #RespectTheSign ads which was posted on Monday.

The government agency claimed that it had no intention of propagating sexism in its ad.

“The MMDA Anti-Smoking and Digital Media Teams would like to convey our sincerest apologies to those who were offended by our ‪#‎RespectTheSign Facebook post yesterday, April 20, 2015. While we do not bear any intention to connote sexism, please be informed that we have already taken down the ad in response to some comments pointing it as being sexist,” it read.

The MMDA also vowed that it would “exert greater effort to uphold gender equality” in all of its actions.

The ad, which says “be the stronger sex, say your mind,” showed an irate woman preventing a man from smoking in a “no smoking” area. It came under fire from netizens questioning the intention of the MMDA to stereotype gender roles and to promote the idea of having a dominant gender.

Some Facebook users said that the ad was “stupid” and that smoking in public places had nothing to do with gender.