Etta Rosales, Gabriela slam Duterte for ‘misogynist’ remarks vs women critics

MANILA, Philippines — Former Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales and Gabriela Women’s Party on Sunday called out President Rodrigo Duterte for his viral “misogynistic” remarks against his female critics.

On Saturday, Duterte ridiculed his female critics as he called them crazy and ugly.

He also challenged critics to spit on his face if they can defend his bank accounts which allegedly contain ill-gotten wealth.

“I am telling you the truth and you can check. At kung meron kang makita na which is contrary to what I am saying now, I'll give you that right. You can spit on my face,” Duterte said Saturday during his speech at the 39th Masskara Festival.

“That is my guarantee. Bastusin mo na ako pero ‘pag babae ka na maganda at dinuraan mo ako, 'yung laway mo kunin ko, ilagay ko... Magagalit na naman 'yang mga babae, sir,” he added.

The president continued his speech by detailing his experience as a hostage who appealed to a kidnapper to release an abducted child.

"Iyong mga babae na ano sa Maynila, ano daw ako misogynist. Baka hindi pa ninyo naalala, I'm the only president — when I was mayor, I was a hostage victim,” he said.

Duterte also claimed he killed those who raped and killed an Australian missionary. He described the slain missionary as one of the “prayer warriors” who visited Davao prison.

“Kaya magsabi 'yang mga babae, ‘Ah Duterte anti...’ Hindi lang ninyo alam, loka-loka, kasi mga pangit kayo. [laughter] Pati 'yung ngipin ninyo malalaki,” Duterte told those who criticized him.

“Hindi ako maghalik sa inyo. Pero kung maghalik 'yung babae kunin 'yung laway ilagay ko sa dila ko, lapitan ko sabi ko, ‘Isauli ko sa iyo ang laway mo dagdagan ko ng akin dahil maganda ka,’” he added.

These remarks drew ire of human rights and women’s advocates.

'Duterte's comments 'shallow,' 'misogynistic'

For her part Rosales, who also serves as chairperson-emeritus of Akbayan party-list said Duterte’s remarks are shallow.

"Kung gaano kataas ang presyo ng bilihin ngayon, ganun naman kababaw ang diskurso sa ilalim ni Duterte," Rosales was quoted in a statement.

"Imbes na pag-aksayahan ng oras ang pag-atake sa mga babaeng kritiko, mas kailangan ng lunas ng mga Pilipino mula sa pasakit ng taas-presyo," she added.

She called on the president to “stop the non-sense ramblings.”

"Mr. President, stop the non-sense ramblings. Araw-araw na lang. Magtrabaho ka naman," the former CHR head said.

Meanwhile, women’s party Gabriela hit Duterte’s saliva remark.

“This is utterly gross and maniacally insane. President Duterte has once again exhibited his perversion and misogyny in public -- when we need him to directly address soaring price and meager incomes instead,” Gabriela said.