Internet users slam Harry Roque for alleged 'misogynistic' Miss World Philippines question

MANILA, Philippines — Social media users criticized presidential spokesperson Harry Roque because of his controversial question at the recently concluded Miss World Philippines 2021.

At the Q&A segment of the pageant, Roque asked Cebu Province’s Shaila Rebortera: “The frontrunner in all the surveys for the post of president is a woman. If she were to ask you, should she run for president even if her children are very young, what advice would you give her?”

“Other women are strong and brave because they sacrifice their career for their family and if our candidate would like to pursue becoming a president despite sacrificing time for their family in exchange of serving the Filipino people, then I would definitely support that,” Rebortera answered.

Twitter user @iamklhd posted the video on her account, criticizing Roque. 

“The audacity of Harry Roque to ask that question and even laughed after the candidate’s spot on answer. Sobrang basura talaga,” she said. 

the audacity of harry roque to ask that question and even laughed after the candidate’s spot on answer. sobrang basura talaga ???? #MissWorldPhilippines2021pic.twitter.com/8W5DGmKylF

— K ? (@iamklhd) October 3, 2021

“Those women are all empowered women who are celebrating their uniqueness and womanhood in this Miss World PH 2021. They don't deserved to be judged by sexist and misogynist men. Not harry roque, not even BONG REVILLA,” said another Twitter user. 

Those women are all empowered women who are celebrating their uniqueness and womanhood in this Miss World PH 2021. They don't deserved to be judged by sexist and misogynist men. Not harry roque, not even BONG REVILLA ????????

— CK #MagparehistroParaMakaboto (@casterklein) October 3, 2021

“Yung tanong ni Harry Roque sa Miss World, double-edged sword. He could be referring to either Leni or Sara so whatever answer the candidate gives, he gets to have his little inuendo. Miss World should’ve never given him the platform,” another user wrote. 

Yung tanong ni Harry Roque sa Miss World, double-edged sword. He could be referring to either Leni or Sara so whatever answer the candidate gives, he gets to have his little inuendo.

Miss World should’ve never given him the platform.

— Divine Velasco (@vly28) October 4, 2021

Roque on Monday defended his controversial question, saying his question is a valid question as he said his critics are just over-reacting. 

“OA po ‘yun na misogynistic ‘yun. That’s a valid question. If you disagree, you’re entitled to your opinion, mag-judge din kayo,” he said in a press conference. 

Presidential daughter Sara Duterte is always number one in surveys but decided to make a reelection bid as mayor in Davao. 

Cebu City’s Tracy Maureen Perez was crowned Miss World Philippines 2021 last Sunday night at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

She will represent the country at the 70th Miss World pageant to be held in Puerto Rico in December. 

RELATED: Cebu City wins again as Miss World Philippines 2021 after Miss Universe PH