MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte lashed back at critics who called him out for his remarks about women, saying they are depriving him of his right to freedom of expression.
Duterte, who has drawn flak for making remarks that were seen as derogatory to women, claimed his critics are making it appear that he hates and disrespects women.
"I can’t remember really na may binaboy ako (maligning anybody). Actually, if you review the tapes, it was with a purpose," the president said during an awarding ceremony in honor of female government employees last Monday.
"You women, you... deprived me of my freedom of expression. I was not referring to you. But you criticize every sentence or word I say. But that is my freedom to express myself," he added.
"Even if I am just a president, do not take it. Do not take me away from the crowd of being a Filipino citizen."
READ: Duterte draws flak for 'women cannot handle intimidation' remark
Duterte said he never transitioned from mayor to president so he has not changed considerably "except to bow in diplomatic dinners." The president also disputed claims that he is a misogynist or a hater of women.
"I love women. You see, I have two wives. That means, I really like women," Duterte said.
"That does not mean I want to touch them. I just like women... When I say that I like women, (it does not mean) I want to despoil or dishonor. They do not get it," he added.
Duterte went on to justify some of his controversial remarks that he claimed were misunderstood by his critics.
READ: Duterte’s latest anti-women comment shows 'disgusting' aspects of machismo — group
He said he was just lecturing female communist rebels when he said he would shoot their vaginas. The president previously said he was just angry that some female rebels left their children to join the armed struggle.
The president also defended his remark that women should stay away from priests, citing the sex abuse scandals involving members of the clergy.
"It's true. It’s happening everywhere. The pope has admitted that priests had abused nuns," Duterte said.
READ: Duterte claims all priests are 'stupid'
Duterte, who served as mayor of Davao City for 23 years, said he has been portrayed as a womanizer and a killer even before the 2016 polls.
"But you have sometimes to defend the government against calumny and slander because that is the job always of an oppositionist," he said.
"That has been the issue since I was a mayor. They brought it to the national scene. I have no problem with that."
In 2016, Duterte stirred controversy over a statement about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary in Davao City in 1989. Speaking to his supporters, Duterte said the slain missionary looked like an actress and as mayor “he should have been first.” He, later on, claimed he was just expressing outrage over the crime.
A year later, the president drew flak for saying that if a soldier rapes three women, he would own up to it. Officials said the president was just stressing that he would be responsible for the acts of soldiers.
READ: Duterte tells troops in jest: I will answer for your rape cases