Robredo tells Duterte: Rape exists because of rapists
MANILA, Philippines — Responding to President Rodrigo Duterte's recent rape remark, Vice President Leni Robredo stressed that the issue is not a laughing matter.
"We have to protest. We know that's not right. There is rape because there are rapists, not because there are pretty girls," Robredo told reporters Monday.
A few days ago, Duterte made another controversial joke in light of the reported rise in rape cases in his hometown Davao City.
The president attributed the spike of rape cases to the many beautiful women in the city.
"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," Duterte said in Cebuano during the 49th founding anniversary of Mandaue City in Cebu last week.
Robredo, however, stressed that the issue should be taken seriously as women should not be blamed for being raped.
"This not an issue that should be treated with just a shrug. The issue should not be made fun of," the vice president said.
Duterte might have gone over the limits of his freedom of speech, according to Robredo.
"Freedom of speech always has a limit. It should not be used to disrespect anyone. It should not be used to disrespect each Filipino," Robredo said.
Defending his recent remarks, Duterte said he was again misunderstood and that he was using his freedom of expression.
"I did not say rape them all. But you are almost mesmerized or tempted because that's how you control yourself and this is democracy, freedom of expression," Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community in Jerusalem, Israel.
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