Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte Addressed Audience as ‘B*****s’ in Women Empowerment Event

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been under scrutiny for his alleged misogynistic comments in public speeches. And his choice of words at a recent event dedicated to upholding women’s contribution to law enforcement might not help his case either.

Duterte spoke at the Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security of the Philippines held days after the International Women’s Day. He reportedly addressed the audience as “p**a” or “b***h” at one point in his speech, according to the Guardian. The crowd was composed mostly of women from the country’s police and military agencies.

The same report added that Duterte used the word while complaining that female critics are restricting his freedom of speech by criticizing his statements. The Philippine president is likely referring to being under fire for his previous speeches and actions that activists and advocates deem misogynistic and sexist in nature. Later in the event, Duterte attempted to prove his support for women by pointing out that he has “two wives.” He then added, “That means I like women.”

Rodrigo Duterte’s words did not sit well with one of the country’s largest women’s rights group. “Freedom of expression is a dangerous and invalid excuse for abusive, misogynistic speech, more so when you are President,” Gabriela Women’s Partylist representative to the Philippine Congress Arlene Brosas said in a statement.

The Philippine President has also been accused of misogynism even before assuming office. At a campaign rally in 2016, Duterte tackled the case of an Australian missionary raped in Davao City where he served as the mayor for more than two decades. He also recalled being upset that the perpetrators lined up to sexually assault the victim and then quipped, “But she was so beautiful, the mayor should have been first [in line].”

In early 2018, Rodrigo Duterte was also under fire for another comment on women. While speaking to members of the Philippines’ military branch, he told soldiers to shoot female rebels in the vagina. “If there is no vagina, it would be useless,” he added.