De Lima: Jail sentence not enough penalty for misogynists like Duterte

Sen. Leila de Lima. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Punishment of reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years of imprisonment) is not enough for misogynists like President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Leila de Lima said on Tuesday.

“Kung iipunin lang naman lahat ng pambabastos sa kababaihan na sinambit at ginawa ni Duterte mula noong maupo siya sa Malacañang, kulang na kulang ‘yang parusa na ‘yan. Baka nga kulang pa ang parusang reclusion perpetua para sa kanya,” De Lima said in a statement.

De Lima’s reaction came after Duterte signed the Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, which seeks to punish catcalling and gender-based harassment online and in public spaces.

READ: No more catcalling: Duterte signs ‘Bawal Bastos’ law

De Lima, a fierce critic of Duterte, said the so-called “Bawal Bastos” law should be implemented properly, noting that the President should not be exempted from the law.

“I hope that this new law will be implemented strictly and properly, and will not exempt from compliance our public officials, especially Mr. Duterte who is infamous for his sexist jokes and misogynist remarks. He should respect his own signature under a presidential seal affixed in that law.” she said.

Duterte has been criticized for his sexist remarks about women and rape. He previously insulted De Lima and even threatened to release the senator’s alleged lewd video.

READ: Duterte fumes at De Lima’s ‘kiss’ remark, threatens to show her ‘sex video’

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, however, vowed that Duterte will be the first to obey the law.

“Since the President signed that law, it means that he recognizes the need for that law. Since he’s the Chief enforcer of all the laws in the Philippines, he’ll be the first one to obey that (new) law,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing Tuesday. /jpv

READ: Panelo: Duterte will be first to obey ‘Bawal Bastos’ law