Comelec exec to Duterte supporters: Unfollow me

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon hit back yesterday at supporters of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who have been bullying her on social media. 

In an ambush interview, Guanzon said she has been the subject of attacks in social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter since she commented on Duterte’s joke about the rape and murder of an Australian lay missionary in Davao in 1989.

“Don’t be super sensitive. They asked on Twitter – why, were you raped before? Of course I couldn’t answer,” said Guanzon, who heads the Comelec gender and development committee. 

“Sons, don’t be like that. We are already old. Respect us a little. Don’t follow us on Twitter if you will just criticize us. I have many followers. That’s OK, if I can lose some (followers).” 

Guanzon had assailed Duterte for making the “disgusting” joke about rape and murder victim Jacqueline Hamill, an Australian missionary who was taken hostage in a Davao City prison, “as if she was not a human being.”

This stemmed from Duterte’s declaration in a recent sortie that he should have been the first to rape Hamill.

Guanzon said political parties should practice “discipline” to prevent election-related gender violence and discrimination. 

She added that while Duterte’s joke is not a ground for disqualification, “foul language, (coupled) with past and present actions and behavior, show the character of a person.”

“My statement is not a partisan act but part of my responsibility as head of Gender and Development Committee. If I didn’t do that, I will be remiss in my duty,” she said.

She also called on candidates and parties to police their ranks as many supporters are now engaged in cyber bullying. 

“Why do you fight in social media? Don’t you have manners? What we want is an orderly election,” Guanzon said.