MANILA, Philippines – Tired of accusations that he is a “woman hater” and a “chauvinist pig,” President Rodrigo Duterte explained why he would rather avoid appointing women for certain government positions. (READ: #BabaeAko campaign: Filipino women fight back against Duterte’s misogyny)

In his speech on Friday night, June 22 in Davao City, Duterte said there are some tasks he simply cannot expect women to do.

“Even how sabihin mo mga bright ‘yang babae, yung lahat nasa political horizon – you’re better off with young people. Ayaw ko talaga ng babae. Gusto ko lalaki kasi marami akong utos,” he said.

(Even if you say women are bright, all of those in the political horizon – you’re better off with young people. I really don’t want to appoint women. I want men because I have a lot of orders.)

Duterte claims to be uncomfortable with giving orders like deployment to a conflict zone like Marawi to women. He did not explain why.

“Suddeny, I will tell you you go to Marawi because nobody is supervising there. Mapapagawa ko ba ‘yan sa babae, pasubuin? (Can I make a woman do that, jump in?)” he said. 

He repeated that women are suited to certain roles. For instance, in his Cabinet, positions like tourism secretary are, to his mind, for women.

“Ako, nasanay ako sa lalaki. Pero yung mga position na hindi naman kailangan, tourism,” he said.

(I got used to working with men. But positions where those things aren’t necessary, like tourism.)

The tough-talking president, who often flaunts his affairs with women, has been slammed several times in his presidency for his sexist remarks  and misogynistic behavior towards women.

Malacañang has tried to defend Duterte by saying this behavior is part of his “style” and that most Filipinos have come to accept it anyway. This too prompted the outrage of many. – Rappler.com