Simply revolting, barbaric

Setting off a firestorm of condemnation from his political adversaries, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, and Secretary Mar Roxas condemned in the strongest terms presidential frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s joke about the rape and murder of a female Australian missionary, Jacquelin Hamill, who was part of a team made up mostly of women to reform convicted prison inmates, in the aftermath of a 1989 prison riot in his city.

The incident began when the inmates grabbed the prison guards’ weapons, seized Hamill and 14 other workers who were holding a bible service in the prison. Hamill and four hostages died.

“All the women were raped in the first assault and they retreated, but the bodies were used as a cover, one of them was the body of Hamill. The body was brought outside and it was covered. I looked at her face, son of a bitch, she looked like  a beautiful actress in the United States,” Duterte said.

“What came to my mind was, they raped her and they lined up. I was angry because she was raped, that’s one thing. But she was so beautiful, the mayor should have been first. What a waste,” Duterte added, eliciting laughs from the crowd.

Calling Duterte a “crazy maniac,” rape and murder of a woman were no laughing matters, Vice President Binay said. He called Duterte’s remarks “simply revolting.” “You are a crazy maniac who don’t respect women and who doesn’t deserve to be President,” Binay further said.

Senator Poe, who has been advocating the rights of women as part of her campaign platform, called Duterte’s remarks as “distasteful and unacceptable,” and reflects his disrespect for women, saying the Mayor should be reminded that “at all times, women, men and LGBTs alike should be treated with dignity and respect.”

Secretary Roxas also slammed Mayor Duterte, saying “rape is a serious problem and anyone who laughs at the ultimate assault on the dignity of a women should not be allowed to wield power.”

Roxas’ running mate, Leni Robredo, a human rights lawyer, said she was appalled. “It is not right to make jokes about rape. We should set a bad example to the youth if we poke fun at a crime that’s as heinous as rape.”

The Davao Mayor also earned the ire of netizens, women’s group, and commentators on social media for trivializing the rape and killing of Hamill. He was being slammed for his platform against crime, yet he easily jokes about rape.

Duterte said he would not apologize. He said it was not a joke when he said it. But admitted it was a bad remark. “I am willing to lose the presidency. Do not make me apologize for something which I did that it was called for by the moment. It’s a matter of honor. I said it in the heat of anger,” Duterte said.

Happy birthday, Mayor Erap

Today is former president, now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap”  Estrada’s 79th birthday. He is marking his natal day with the inauguration of the Santa Ana Market and the San Andres Market.

In the next two weeks, he will also formally inaugurate the Quinta Market in Quiapo and the Paco Market.

The old vendors are returning to the new markets and will still be paying old rental fees for the next two years.

The new markets feature spacious comfort rooms, ample lighting, improved ventilation and very clean. Aircon is provided and also chandeliers.

The new markets further proved as lies the claims being peddled by critics that Mayor Estrada sold the markets to private companies and the vendors would not be allowed to return to their original stalls and will be charged higher rental fees. Rental fees cost only P20 to P40, depending on the location of the store and the goods that the vendors are selling.

Political update

Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Bongbong Marcos got a warm welcome in Baguio where they held a rally at St. Louis University.

Yesterday, Miriam was at the Bulacan State University in Malolos.

Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos endorsed the vice presidential candidacy of Bongbong Marcos.

Senator Grace Poe and daughter Nica went to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lubao, Pampanga.

Vice President Jejomar Binay received the endorsement of several women’s groups in Zamboanga City. He also visited Zamboanga Sibugay.

Binay announced he will push for the expansion of health services for women, including free pre-natal checkups and assistance centers for pregnant teenagers.

Rody Duterte campaigned in Masbate.

Mar Roxas was in Puerto Princesa, Palawan where he predicted that by May 9 he will be the winner.

Kris Aquino joined President Aquino campaigning for Roxas and Robredo in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Tidbits

Senator Bongbong Marcos was a no-show at the vice presidential debate sponsored by ABS-CBN, citing a scheduling conflict. But he was still criticized by the four other vice presidential candidates present. No clear winner emerged in the debate.

Pope Francis met with the refugees at Lesbos, Greece. In a surprise move, he brought back three families with him to the Vatican.

Pope Francis received democratic candidate Bernie Sanders at the Pope’s residence at the Vatican.

Manny Pacquiao will join the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) campaign this week.

The Abu Sayyaf rebels abducted four more Indonesian sailors off Tawi-Tawi.

The latest survey show Manila Mayor Erap leading by 10 percent over former Mayor Fred Lim.

Birthday greetings to my son, Edmond Maceda.