Roxas camp: Duterte thinks he's more important than Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II on Thursday chided Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for threatening to cut ties with the United States and Australia after the two countries' envoys reacted to his widely-criticized rape joke.

Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid spokesman and Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez said it is "scary" to think that Duterte would sever relationships that have spanned decades because of a single issue.

"The presidency is not just about one issue. In our dealings with other countries, we have to consider the dignity of our country, fight for our interests, and take care of the welfare of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers)," Gutierrez said.

"The ego of the President is not a factor to be considered," he added.

Earlier, Duterte asked the ambassadors of Australia to refrain from "interfering" in Philippine affairs after the envoys frowned upon his comment about the rape and murder of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill.

In a recent sortie, Duterte joked about the gang rape and murder of Hamill in 1989, saying as mayor, he should have been the first in line to rape her.

Duterte's remark was strongly condemned by his rivals and advocacy groups who believe that his actions reflect his insensitivity and lack of respect for women.

Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg also criticized the tough talking mayor's statement, saying rape and violence should not be trivialized.

Duterte apologized for what he admitted was a "bad joke" but asked the two envoys to "shut their mouths" and to stay out of Philippine politics.

"I never interfere in their elections. If I become president, go ahead and sever it (relationship with the Philippines)," the mayor was quoted by reports as saying.

Gutierrez said Duterte's reply to the two envoys reflected his lack of concern for Filipino migrant workers and the dignity of the country.

"For the Mayor, he is more important than the Philippines. His ego is more important than jobs for OFWs, the dignity of our country, and the integrity of our territory," he added.