Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque responded to critics of his question during the Miss World Philippines 2021 pageant, telling them it was an overreaction to call it misogynistic.

His question went like this: “The frontrunner in all the surveys for the post of president is a woman. If she were to ask you, should she run for president even if her children are very young, what advice would you give her?”

The candidate who answered him, Shaila Rebortera of Cebu province, said women were “strong and brave in different ways,” whether they would pursue a career or raise their family full-time.

Online, people said it was a misogynistic question to ask, and called him out for laughing at Rebortera’s answer. (READ: Can a woman with kids run for president? Roque pageant question sparks ire)

“OA po ’yun na misogynistic ’yun (It’s an overreaction to say it’s misogynistic). That’s a valid question. If you disagree, you’re entitled to your opinion, mag-judge din kayo (try being a judge yourself),” he said during his press briefing on Monday, October 4.

Two women, Vice President Leni Robredo and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, are being urged to run for president.

Duterte has filed her certificate of candidacy for her reelection as mayor of Davao City, but Roque says it is President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal wish for her to run for president with Senator Bong Go, who has filed his candidacy for vice president.

Meanwhile, Robredo has yet to announce her decision on whether or not she will run for president. (READ: Running or not? Robredo transfers registration, keeps allies, rivals guessing) – Rappler.com