Duterte’s latest anti-women comment shows 'disgusting' aspects of machismo — group

MANILA, Philippines — A women’s group on Thursday slammed President Rodrigo Duterte’s most recent anti-women remark, saying such statement reeks of his “well-known misogyny.”

“From the way he sexually harasses the last few women in his official family to this statement that implies that women cannot really have political integrity nor brilliance, Duterte highlights the most disgusting aspects of Philippine machismo,” advocacy group Every Woman said in a statement.

The group was reacting to Duterte’s supposed comment that he would not appoint a woman as the next chief justice.

But transcript from Malacañang showed that the president was actually referring to the next ombudsman.

“Mag-nominate sila pero I choose. Gusto ko ‘yung bilib ang tao sa integrity niya. Of course, it could not be politician. Lalo na hindi babae,” Duterte said.

Conchita Carpio-Morales, the current Ombudsman, is set to retire on July 26.

READ: Next ombudsman won't be a woman, Duterte says

“There is someone here who is patently unfit for office. And it’s a he, not a she,” Every Woman said.

The group noted that Duterte seemed unaware that the Magna Carta of Women orders him to ensure the equality of and non-discrimination against women appointees to high-level posts.

During his second State of the Nation Address, the chief executive vowed that it would be his personal commitment to fully implement the Magna Carta of Women. He made this statement the same month he was criticized for his rape joke.

“Many men love their wives, aunts, sisters, mothers and daughters enough to understand that this continuous put down of women stands in the way of their well-being and achievements,” Every Woman said.

READ: Duterte vows to uphold Magna Carta of Women on same month as rape 'joke'

Women and rights organizations have repeatedly slammed Duterte for his “vile remarks” toward women, saying such comments from the country’s most powerful man encourage objectification and violence against them.

Duterte’s officials and supporters usually dismiss such remarks as instances of “sarcasm” or part of the president’s supposed humor.

The president has also hurled tirades at female government officials such as Vice President Leni Robredo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Sen. Leila De Lima and Morales.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings Agnes Callamard and International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda have been also criticized by the president.

READ: Duterte’s '42 virgins' joke manifests his disrespect toward women — group