CHR deplores Duterte’s ‘virgins’ remark to lure tourists

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday slammed President Duterte’s remark on using “virgins” to promote tourism in the country and called on him to uphold laws protecting women from violence and discrimination.

In a statement, the commission said Mr. Duterte’s repeated sexist statements stripped Filipino women of their dignity and human rights.

“It is utterly degrading for Filipino women to be spoken of in such manner, even as a joke, by the highest official of the land,” CHR said. “More so, the fact that it is done in a foreign context makes it even more appalling because it objectifies Filipino women in the larger international arena.”

Speaking to a group of Indian and Filipino business leaders in New Delhi last week, Mr. Duterte said he would offer “42 virgins” to attract visitors to the country.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque later said the remark was “clearly a joke,” but not before it earned the ire of women’s rights groups.

The rights agency said Mr. Duterte’s remarks reduced Filipino women to mere sexual objects, despite the global recognition of their hard work and their sacrifices to provide for their families. —Jhesset O. Enano