Pia Cayetano: I support Duterte, but I disagree with whistling

SCREENGRAB FROM TWITTER

While she supports President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, outgoing Senator Pia Cayetano has made it clear that she does not condone “catcalling.”

“I support the President but I don’t agree with the whistling,” Cayetano, a women’s advocate, wrote on Twitter Thursday night, responding to a follower’s question.

“I don’t condone catcalling. Period. Back read please to see my other statements,” she added as more followers pressed her to make a stand on Duterte’s whistling at a female television reporter during a press conference in Davao City last May 31.

READ: Duterte draws flak for wolf whistle

“Really, period? End of conversation? Wow. Just wow,” a follower with Twitter handler @wenggonzales replied to the senator’s tweet.

“You support him but not rape jokes or catcalling? Where do you draw the line? Where is the legislator who pushed for RH (reproductive health)?” another follower asked.

Cayetano, who was elected representative of Taguig in the House of Representatives in the May 9 elections, is principal sponsor of the Reproductive Health measure in the Senate. She also chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality.

Some came to the rescue of the senator, one saying there are still many Filipinos who understand her why she is supporting Duterte.

“I consider you one of the most effective leaders in this country,” Twitter handler @raquickie said.

“Don’t you worry, I understand your point, sadyang may mga tao lang na makikitid ang utak (there just really are narrow-minded people),” a follower said.

Before this, a netizen asked if Cayetano would not stop or advise Duterte about his statements.

But the senator said: “What I say to the President, I will tell him personally, not on Twitter.”

“I thought you were one of his advisers?” another netizen with Twitter handler @mommyinginheels asked, to which Cayetano answered: “I wish I was.”

Cayetano’s brother, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was Duterte’s running mate in the last elections but the latter lost to Vice President-elect Leni Robredo. CDG

READ: Duterte: Whistling is not a sexual thing