A Thomasian director, Cheska Marfori, sheds light on the struggles of workplace sexual harassment victims in “Paglilitis.”
The film tells the story of Jonalyn Samuel (Rissy Reyes-Robinson), a former executive assistant to the CEO of a famous milk company, who inflicts unwanted sexual advances towards her.
Jonalyn is then left at a crossroads: act and risk her job and family, or do nothing.
Years later, a struggling lawyer, Silvia Ardenia (Eula Valdez), looks for a case that will put her on the map. She stumbles upon Jonalyn’s story and encourages her to speak up against her well-respected boss.
The film sheds light on the power dynamics in sexual harassment cases as victims are usually not in management positions and forced to silence to protect their only source of livelihood.
“Paglilitis” also shows how the involvement of voices from social media in issues like this usually drowns out the voices of those who matter—the victims.
The film concludes with a cliffhanger, mirroring the unresolved nature of many sexual harassment cases, particularly those implicating individuals of wealth and influence. Ella Mae A. Sison
