By the Weekly Sillimanian
“As long as there are many beautiful women, there will be more rape cases.”
A misogynistic leader impedes the progress of feminism in a patriarchal country. Throughout his political career, former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte became known for making rape jokes. The outcome of his sexist jests surface now as many of his supporters use derogatory remarks to express their dismay over his arrest.
Last March 11, Duterte was taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for charges of crimes against humanity in relation to extrajudicial killings he allegedly ordered from 2011 to 2019. While families of victims are finally given hope for justice, thousands of Filipinos– particularly the so-called Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS)–insist the arrest was illegal and a product of political conflict.
Amid the online debates, what stands alarming are the attacks on the three ICC judges who signed the 15-page arrest warrant. Making up The Hague-based tribunal’s Pre-Trial Chamber I are Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Judge Socorro Flores Liera–women who made their own marks in international law.
Motoc, a seasoned human rights lawyer from Romania, was mocked by Filipinos on her own social media page, with some calling her a pornographic actress and accusing her of having connections with the current presidential family. All this to undermine the credibility that took her years to build.
Based on looks alone, she was likened to an adult show’s “blonde stepmommy” in a now deleted post made by a Sangguniang Kabataan member. In a culture that breeds discrimination against women, this is not surprising. These DDS find it easier to objectify than to respect a high-ranking official, all because of the first thing people notice—gender.
If Motoc was a man, perhaps it would have made a huge difference. To many Filipinos, a man who acts with an iron fist is a legend to be worshipped. Maybe the critics would have been more logical with their words. No attacks and assumptions would have been made towards the judge.
But Motoc is a woman, and it is hard for many to comprehend her accomplishments. Because being a woman means you are “inferior,” having lesser skills and abilities compared to a man. Belonging to a high position meant getting there by crook alone.
These double standards run rampant in how supporters view Philippine politics. This is evident with the glorification of Duterte’s violent administration.
Dubbed “The Punisher,” Duterte’s term was defined by a brutal war on drugs. With thousands killed, many have cheered the leader on, agreeing with the killings where even young children have fallen victim to.
At present, as Duterte critics point out the injustices of the administration, DDS counterattack with the same rape jokes. A netizen claimed, “Maayo pag gipang rape mos mga drug addict.” (You should have been raped by the drug addicts). These words are meant to justify the killings and defend Duterte.
It has become easier for Filipinos to make insensitive remarks because a former leader normalized it. In a time where many advocates come forward to further the progress of gender equality in the country, Duterte’s misogynistic ways continue to plague his followers.
The Weekly Sillimanian calls the Filipino people to be more critical when it comes to expressing their stance on the issue. While there may be opposing political opinions, a magnitude of respect should still be maintained, especially in the online discourses.
Below the belt comments must never be uttered, even if it is made habit by a prominent figure. The toxic Filipino culture of normalizing discrimination for humor should be ceased. Political discussions are meant to examine a leader, not make an enemy of fellow citizens.
