In a Facebook Reel, now deleted but widely circulated through screenshots, the vlogger recorded himself and his group sitting along Ayala Avenue, making inappropriate remarks while observing female joggers. The video included text that read, “[Bakit] masarap mag-bike sa Ayala Avenue?” along with a thinking face emoji.
The clip captured the men laughing and making remarks like, “Mga simple lang kami, simpleng abangers,” while one of them appeared to record female joggers using his phone.
The video sparked outrage on social media, with netizens condemning the behavior as lewd and disrespectful. One Facebook user wrote, “Nakakadiri po kayo. Imbes na safe space, nagiging pugad ng mga manyakis ‘yung Ayala.” Many called for stricter measures to ensure safety during the event.
Although the vlogger removed the original post, he later uploaded another video defending his actions, claiming, “[Ito] ang Ayala tuwing Sunday morning. Paano naging kamanyakan ang kumuha ng video at picture?” His defense, however, failed to appease critics who cited the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313), which penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces.
The law explicitly prohibits actions such as intrusive gazing, catcalling, and uninvited comments about a person’s appearance, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Car-free Sundays on Ayala Avenue were introduced in 2023 by Ayala Land’s Make It Makati initiative to encourage active lifestyles and sustainable practices. The program transforms a 2.3-kilometer stretch of the avenue into a car-free zone for joggers, cyclists, and families every Sunday from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
While the initiative has been widely praised, the recent incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety and respect among participants to ensure the space remains welcoming and secure for all.