MANILA, Philippines — Gabriela Women’s Party on Monday slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for saying a remark that critics say trivialize rape and blame the victims for being beautiful
is part of his freedom of expression.
In a speech before the Filipino community in Israel Monday morning, an unapologetic Duterte said his comment was part of being in a democracy.
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"They would say again I am a misogynist...There are many rape cases in Davao. I said 'perhaps there are many beautiful womein in Davao.' I did not say all of them were raped," Duterte said, eliciting laughter from the audience.
"But you are almost mesmerized or tempted. That’s how you control yourself. It is a democracy. Freedom of expression," he added.
Gabriela said it is outraged that the chief executive used freedom of expression as an excuse for his “festering mouth.”
“A president who has, under his command, a police and military force known for abusing and violating women and human rights cannot invoke freedom of expression when his statements invite the wanton commission and normalization of rape,” they said.
RELATED: Rape ‘jokes’ normalize objectification of women, CHR tells Duterte
Gabriela added that Duterte’s defense of his “maniacal rants only highlights the height of his irresponsible chauvinism and misogyny, drawing a very dangerous line between freedom of expression and kamanyakan (being a maniac).”
Robredo: Freedom of speech has a limit
Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday said that Duterte might have gone over the limits of his freedom of speech.
“Freedom of speech always has a limit. It should not be used to disrespect anyone. It should not be used to disrespect each Filipino,” she told reporters in an interview in Quezon City.
Duterte was once again criticized for saying in jest that there are many rape cases in Davao City because it has a lot of beautiful women.
Women’s groups stressed that rape is caused by rape mentality, not by physical appearance.
They also said that Duterte’s recent remark fuels the culture of rape and adds insult to the scars of rape victims.
RELATED: Women's groups: Rapist mentality, not being pretty, leads to rape