Duterte on Davao’s high number of rape cases: ‘Many beautiful women there’

President Rodrigo Duterte has said in jest that Davao City had the highest number of rape cases in 2018 because “there are many beautiful women” in his hometown.

“They said that Davao had many rape cases. For as long as there are many beautiful women, there are plenty of rape cases as well. Who agrees to do it on the first request anyway? Will the woman allow it? No. “Don’t, no, ahhh,” Duterte said Bisaya in a speech during the 49th Mandaue City Charter Day in Cebu on Thursday.

“Nobody agrees to do it on the first try. That is rape. Even when they’re inside the cinema, she will push him away. “No, don’t.” There are so many beautiful women. But if you happen to sit beside someone toothless, would you still want to do that?” he asked.

The President remarks, which earned the ire of lawmakers and women’s group, came after data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that Davao City has the highest number of rape cases in the Philippines in the second quarter of 2018.

This is not the first time Duterte, a self-confessed “womanizer,” drew criticisms for his “rape remarks.|

In 2016, Duterte, then Davao City mayor, drew flak after saying the mayor should have been the first to rape an Australian missionary, who was killed in a prison riot years before.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte’s remarks must not be given “too much weight,” saying the President was just kidding.   /vvp