Women’s groups campaign to block Duterte bid

MANILA, Philippines - With just nine days before the elections, women’s and cause-oriented groups yesterday mounted a campaign to block the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Following Duterte’s joke on the rape of an Australian missionary and his sexist remarks, the collective group called on the public to rethink voting for him. 

Judy Pasimio of the LILAK group said they do not see the tough-talking mayor as the “alternative candidate” to the “trapo” (traditional politicians), elitist and political dynasty of other candidates.

Despite the public outrage over his rape joke, Duterte remains the front runner in recent surveys for president.

Ana Maria Nemenzo of Women’s Health Philippines said that while they are saddened by Duterte’s rise in surveys despite his “crass and foul mouth,” the group would not give up its fight.

“This is not discouraging us. We will continue this fight. This is part of the campaign to promote awareness and understanding that women must be respected,” she added.

The group also said the Commission on Human Rights would continue its investigation on the violations of women’s rights allegedly committed by Duterte even without a response from him.

The complaint filed by various women’s groups was an offshoot of the mayor’s joke during a campaign sortie about the rape and killing of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill during a hostage situation in a Davao prison in 1989.

Moreover, the group noted that Duterte should not take credit for the policies that had advanced the welfare of women in Davao. They said it was the hard work of women’s groups that paved the way for policies like the Women’s Code.

“It was the fruit of the hard work of the women’s group in Davao. It was not from the brain of Mayor Duterte, considering how he talks. It came from the brains of the women who have been fighting (for their rights),” said Jean Enriquez of the World March of Women.

Other groups who have joined the campaign are ASSERT, Focus on the Global South, KAISA-KA, Kilusan, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau, Workers for People’s Liberation and the Youth for Nationalism and Democracy.

P-Noy slams messages promoting violence

Meanwhile, President Aquino slammed anew any campaign messaging that is deceptive or promotes violence.

He said that a leader must be ready to die for peace and democracy and not perpetuate killings that violate human rights and due process.

Aquino on Thursday noted that Duterte was fond of cussing and picking a fight, but this would not lead to anything, although it seemed to have put the mayor on top of the race based on surveys.

“Will every curse you make create a job? Can you send someone to school if you are always after a fight?” he said.

The President also said he could not understand why Duterte would want to antagonize allies amid the West Philippine Sea dispute where the Philippines had to count on bigger countries and the international community to assert its maritime claims.

“And also, the children who are watching will learn from that. They will emulate the bad traits. I don’t think that is what you want them to pick up,” he added.

Aquino expressed hope that people power would again be alive come May 9 as he campaigned for administration standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II and his runningmate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo in Muntinlupa City last Thursday.   – With Aurea Calica