VP Binay, LP say Duterte's rape joke puts safety of OFWs at risk -
Vice President Jejomar Binay and the ruling Liberal Party on Wednesday continued to pounce on Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte over his controversial rape joke, this time saying it places the lives and safety of OFWs at risk.
Duterte, a frontrunner in the May 9 presidential race based on the latest Pulse Asia survey, found himself at the center of controversy for his remark on the rape and killing of an Australian missionary in Davao City in 1989.
Though Duterte has since apologized for his gaffe, criticisms continue to rain on him, with a coalition of women's groups even filing a complaint against him before the Commission on Human Rights.
In a statement, Binay, a former presidential adviser on OFW concerns, said Duterte's "tasteless" joke could result in a possible backlash on OFWs and Filipino migrants.
"Ano na lang ang iisipin nila sa ibang bansa? At ano na lang ang magiging tingin nila sa ating mga Overseas Filipinos Workers sa kani-kanilang bansang pinagtatrabahuan? Na ang ating kalalakihan ay walang respeto sa babae, at ang ating kababaihan ay walang respeto sa sarili?" he said.
For his part, Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez, the LP spokesman, said Filipinos, especially those in Australia, risk being "shamed" because of Duterte's joke.
"Stories are spreading of our countrymen in Australia being asked about his 'joke,'" Gutierrez said in a separate statement. "Our countrymen are being shamed before their colleagues and bosses."
The LP is fielding former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas in the May 9 presidential race.
Duterte, in an apologizing for his remark, said it was never his intention to show disrespect toward women and rape victims. —KBK, GMA News
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