Palace dismisses Duterte’s remarks vs women as ‘mere play of words’

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday once again defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent anti-women remarks, downplaying these as “mere play of words.”

“[The president’s] statement reflects his growing frustration over the continuous and non-stop tirades against his administration by the ousted chief justice and the ombudsman,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said in a statement.

Last week, the chief executive said that he is ruling out women candidates for the next corruption buster after Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales retires on July 26.

Duterte, in the past, had hurled tirades at female government officials such as Morales, ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Leila de Lima.

“The appointments of Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat to the Department of Tourism, acting Sec. Virginia Orogo to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Commissioner Socorro Inting to the Commission on Elections not only demonstrate but a proof that women can occupy leadership roles in his government,” Roque said.

Roque issued this statement days after the online campaign #BabaeAko was launched. The campaign is in response to the president’s supposed misogyny and macho-fascism.

The president’s mouthpiece earlier said that there is no discrimination against women in the government.  

READ: Palace: No discrimination against women in government

Duterte is often criticized for his anti-women remarks, saying such comments encourage objectification and violence against women.

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