Rivals slam Duterte for ‘distasteful’ rape joke

Rivals of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday slammed the tough-talking mayor for his “distasteful” joke about an Australian rape victim.

“Distasteful and unacceptable” was how Senator Grace Poe described Duterte’s joke, saying she was offended by it.

“It is distasteful and unacceptable and reflects his disrespect of women.  No one, whoever she is and whatever her looks may be, deserves to be raped and abused.  Rape is a crime and no laughing matter. We should all be outraged (by) abuses against women,” she said.

Poe said everyone must be treated with dignity and respect.

“While some may seem impressed with the mayor’s nonchalance and tough-talking stance, he should be reminded that at all times, women, men and the LGBT alike should be treated with dignity and respect,” the senator said.

READ: Duterte rape joke on Australian missionary: too far?

Administration bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II also slammed Duterte, saying rape was a “serious problem.”

“Seryosong problema ang rape. Anyone who laughs at the ultimate assault on the dignity of women should not be allowed to wield power. Ang babae ay may karapatan, hindi pinaglalaruan. Hindi ito katatawanan, kahayupan ito,” Roxas said.

In a viral video, Duterte made a statement about an Australian rape victim whom he described as “beautiful.” The mayor “should have been first,” he said.

“”Nirape nilang lahat ng mga babae sa ‘yung unang asolte, kasi nagretreat sila; naiwan yung ginawa nilang cover. Ang isa doon ‘yung lay minister na Australyana. Tsk, problema na ito… ‘Pag labas, edi binalot. Tinignan ko yung mukha, t*** i** parang si… parang artista sa America na maganda,” he said.

“P***** i**, sayang ito. Ang nagpasok sa isip ko, nirape nila, pinagpilahan nila doon. Nagalit ako kasi ni-rape? Oo, isa rin ‘yun . Pero napakaganda; dapat ang mayor muna ang mauna. Sayang,” he added.

READ: Gabriela on Duterte rape joke: Rape is a serious crime

Vice President Jejomar Binay, meanwhile, said Duterte’s rape joke was “revolting.”

“Your statement is simply revolting. Nothing can justify such callous remarks,” Binay said.

He said that rape should not be joked about.

“Hindi nakakatawa ang rape at murder ng isang babae,” Binay said.

“Mr. Duterte, wala ka bang ina? Wala ka bang anak na babae?” he added. He described the tough-talking mayor  as a “crazy maniac.”

“Nanghinayang ka na hindi mo na-rape ang Australian lay minister. Pinagyabang mo na minolestya mo ang inyong kasambahay. You are a crazy maniac who doesn’t respect women and doesn’t deserve to be president,” he said. JE