MANILA, Philippines — Several women's groups on Tuesday condemned presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's remarks about rape despite his recent apology.
"Mayor Duterte, it is not okay to disrespect women. Even if they disagree with you. It is not okay to violate a woman's dignity," the women's groups said in a statement.
Duterte drew flak after making a remark about an Australian lay minister rape victim, comparing the latter to a beautiful American actress and saying that he should "have been first."
The group stressed that the presidential aspirant is sending a signal that it is acceptable to rape women by making jokes at the expense of a victim.
The women's groups refused to accept Duterte's apology and said that it was not sincere.
READ: Duterte says sorry for rape remarks
"He refuses to acknowledge the savagery behind his actions. Instead he remains unrepentant and swipes at women's groups who condemn his actions, saying he does not need their vote," the statement read.
Some 33 groups signed the statement:
- Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service
- Black and White Movement
- Center Against Trafficking of Women in the Asia and the Pacific
- SPARK
- Alliance for Women Action Towards Reform
- Coalition ng Mamamayan Para sa Reporma
- People Power Volunteers for Reform
- Yes2Mar and Leni
- Win For Mar
- SAGIP ILOG Pilipinas
- SARILAYA
- LIKHAAN Center for Women's Health
- TRAIL
- LILAK
- Women's Rights Movement of the Philippines
- Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order
- Women and Gender Institute Miriam College
- Gaston Z Ortigas Peace Institute
- PILIPINA
- Center for Peace Education Miriam College
- WomanHealth Philippines
- Women's Rights Movement of the Philippines
- Balikatan sa Kaunlaran
- SENTRO ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas
- Labor Education and Research Network
- Balay Rehabilitation Center
- Muslim Sisters Bridging Society
- Institute of Women's Studies
- Lihok PILIPINA Foundation
- Women's Action Network for Development
- Mainland Development Center
- Al Mujadillah Development Foundation
- Malaya Ka - Sorsogon
Meanwhile, Duterte has issued an apology for his recent remarks and said that he had no intention of disrespecting women or rape victims.
"Sometimes, my mouth can get better of me," Duterte said in a statement.
RELATED: Australia: Rape should never be joked about