President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday defended his remark linking a woman鈥檚 beauty to rape as part of freedom of expression.
鈥淗indi ko naman sinabi ni-rape lahat yan. But you are almost mesmerized or tempted kasi that鈥檚 how you control yourself,鈥� the President said before the Filipino community in Israel where he is on an official visit.
鈥淎nd this is democracy. Freedom of expression,鈥� he noted.
Duterte drew widespread criticisms for his remark last week when he said in jest that his hometown Davao City had a high number of rape cases because it had many beautiful women.
Opposition politicians, pro-women groups and other so-called pro-democracy advocates expressed disappointment with Duterte鈥檚 remarks.
Malaca帽ang defended Duterte, saying the President鈥檚 statement should not be taken seriously. /cbb