Duterte: Women cannot stand threats, intimidation

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte believes that unlike men, women cannot stand threats and intimidation.

Responding to the #BabaeAko social media campaign against misogyny and sexism, Duterte on Thursday said there are certain aspects in life that women cannot do, like fighting in a battlefield.

“Sabi ko nga ayaw ko ng babae, eto naman, kami ay mga babae. Mga babae nga kayo so anong problema?” Duterte said in a speech during an inauguration of a bridge in Davao City.

“I believe in woman, the competence, capability. Pero hindi lahat sa buhay dapat. Hindi. Dapat lang, it’s not appropriate. You cannot stand threats and intimidation,” he added.

Duterte has drawn criticisms from women activists for his controversial statement that the next Chief Justice “should not be a woman.”

Personalities who joined the campaign include former Social Welfare Sec. Judy Taguiwalo, artist Mae Paner, journalist Inday Espina-Varona, doctor and activist Carol Araullo, editor Joel Pablo Salud, among others.  /je