Duterte’s remarks vs women mere “play of words,” says Palace

May 23, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks against women were just mere "play of words," Malacanang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the clarification after some female activists launched a hashtag campaign on social media against Duterte.

The #BabaeAko (I am a woman) is being used to express their opinion against Duterte's alleged sexist and misogynistic behavior.

"PRRD’s statement reflects his growing frustration over the continuous and non-stop tirades against his administration by the ousted Chief Justice and the Ombudsman," Roque said in a statement.

He said Duterte's appointment of female officials in his cabinet not only demonstrate but a proof that women can occupy leadership roles in his government.

Duterte appointed Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat to the Department of Tourism, Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Commissioner Socorro Inting to the Commission on Elections.

Also in defending Duterte was Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go.

He said the President is a firm believer and protector of Women's Rights.

"He has high respect for women. In fact, he has pushed for local laws and created programs that uphold women’s rights while he was still mayor of Davao City including the landmark Women Development Code and the creation of the Integrated Gender Development Division of Davao city," Go said.

He added that because of Duterte's advocacies, Davao City has been recognized as a Gender and Development Local Learning Hub in the Philippines.

Go said the President's way of self-expression has always been taken out of context.

He said it was "truly unfair" to accuse Duterte of being anti-women.

"These allegations are clearly political," he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS