Feminists overreacting to Duterte’s jokes – Roque

MANILA, Philippines — Feminists criticizing what they described as sexist jokes by President Duterte are overacting, according to Malacañang, which claimed that Filipinos love the Chief Executive’s sense of humor.  

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the remark yesterday in the context of Duterte’s joke that he does not mind being indicted by the International Criminal Court as long as it allows conjugal visits by more than one woman in case he is imprisoned. 

“You know, sometimes, these feminists are really a bit OA (overacting). I mean, that’s funny. Come on. Just laugh,” Roque said in a video posted on social networking sites. 

While some sectors find Duterte’s humor offensive, Roque said Filipinos could identify with the President. 

“In the Philippines, even if we are in despair, even if we are like hopeless, instead of crying, we laugh... I think that’s very Filipino. And that’s why people identify with his humor,” Roque said. “He is so lovable because sometimes he’s so funny.”

Duterte’s wisecracks have courted controversy, with some groups claiming that his brand of humor reflected lack of respect for women. 

In a speech delivered last Tuesday, Duterte said he is faithful to Filipinas because some foreign women have “weird” odor. He also claimed that having extramarital affairs is just part of “biology.”

Last Wednesday, Duterte talked about shooting the vaginas of female communist rebels so that the body part would be rendered useless. 

But Duterte’s supporters insist that he is pro-woman, noting that he implemented security measures so women can safely walk the streets at night.