Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday said that his presidential running mate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is an “advocate for women,” amid criticisms over his joke on an Australian rape victim.
During the vice presidential debate organized by ABS-CBN, Cayetano was asked to comment on Duterte’s rape joke.
“It’s not about defense. He will make a statement. He’s an advocate for women,” the senator said.
READ: Duterte rape joke on Australian missionary: Too much?
He said Duterte even “offered himself as a hostage” during the 1989 incident.
The senator cited the women development code in Davao City and how wearing bathing suits during beauty pageants was banned.
“Siya lang ang taong lumalaban ng tunay para sa bata, matanda babae,” he said.
Cayetano, however, said Duterte would issue a statement on the issue.
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. JE
RELATED STORIES
Rivals slam Duterte for ‘distasteful’ rape joke
Palace on rape joke: Duterte ‘unfit’ for president
RELATED VIDEO
