Transgender actress Awra Briguela has formally reported a professor from a university in Manila to school authorities over alleged degrading and transphobic remarks made against her online.
The issue stemmed from a comment posted by a Facebook user under an ABS-CBN social media post featuring Briguela’s beach photos.
In a screenshot shared by the queer artist, the comment read, “Ay babaeng may b*rat”.
Briguela later identified the commenter as Professor Benjo Hernandez Contreras, a college instructor at Universidad de Manila, and publicly condemned the remark in a lengthy statement posted on social media.
“I am publicly calling out Professor Benjo Hernandez Contreras of Universidad De Manila for his inappropriate and deeply disrespectful behavior toward me on social media,” Briguela wrote, describing the comment as “a degrading and transphobic remark that no educator should ever say to anyone, especially knowing that I am also a student.”
Awra that educators are expected to uphold professionalism, respect, and inclusivity, adding that schools should be safe spaces free from bullying and discrimination.
“What he did was completely unacceptable and disappointing coming from someone in a position of authority,” she said.
Briguela also claimed that following her public post, several individuals, including students, reached out to her to share their own concerns and negative experiences involving the professor, suggesting the incident may not be isolated.
Because of this, the online personality said she was considering formally elevating the matter to the university administration and gathering statements from others who may have experienced inappropriate treatment.
A few days later, on May 18, Universidad de Manila released a statement acknowledging concerns involving an unnamed faculty member and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The university said the matter was already being addressed in coordination with the University Administration and the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, following existing institutional policies and procedures.
“As an academic institution, the University does not condone behavior or expressions that may be perceived as discriminatory, demeaning, or harmful to any individual. Necessary investigation and interventions are currently being undertaken through the appropriate offices,” the statement read.
The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting “a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.”
On Wednesday, May 20, Briguela shared photos showing her formally filing a complaint before university authorities, saying her decision to pursue action went beyond what some may perceive as a misunderstanding.
“This is not just a simple misunderstanding,” Briguela wrote in an Instagram post, stressing that “no student should ever feel humiliated, invalidated, or discriminated against inside an institution that is supposed to be a safe space for learning and growth.”
She added that discrimination and humiliation within educational institutions should never be normalized, particularly when it comes from individuals expected to “guide, educate, and protect students.”
Briguela also encouraged students who may have experienced similar incidents to speak up and seek accountability.
“Education should be a place of safety, respect, and equality — never fear, shame, or discrimination,” she wrote.
