Philippine President Duterte's Way Of Combating Stress: Throwing Sexist Jokes That Incite Blasphemy

Philippine President Rodrido Duterte (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has drawn controversy for using harsh words against various figures in the world. Duterte briefly condemned the Pope and called Barack Obama a "child prostitute." Now, Duterte is once again angered by his sexist comments.

Citing SCMP, Tuesday, November 17, the latest uproar arose during Duterte's visit to Camarines Sur Province on Sunday, October 15, 2020. The visit was carried out for a briefing on relief operations after the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Vamco.

Acknowledging the local official as an old school friend, Duterte introduced the man by saying: We were classmates but time was wasted, you know ... He's old because, you know, sobrang babae (too many women) can actually make you grow old. . "

The official responded with a play on words, saying he did not have too many women. A congressman told her she "lacked sex." Later in the meeting, when a former classmate told Duterte that a friend had died from COVID-19, Duterte answered in silence for a moment, then swore, followed by the words: Then, it's because he doesn't have many women.

On social media, the conversation was criticized as sexist, nonsense and inappropriate comments. Vice President Leni Robredo was among those who criticized the statement.

"For me during a time when we have a severe crisis, the message is very important that we give our best for the things that are very urgent," said Robredo.

Dr Margie Holmes, a popular sex therapist and clinical psychologist, said the jokes were sexist in nature and that Duterte's behavior was aimed at offending and angering his critics. "He's a very smart politician," said Holmes.

Holmes said that things were outrageous to see what kind of reaction his words provoked. When Duterte's words fail to produce a backlash, it makes "his critics feel insecure" and allows him to push a political agenda such as signing controversial legislation.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque defended Duterte by saying that the president had just "taken a break from disaster." “You know, it's really a Filipino habit, when we are under extreme stress, we really try to alleviate our problems. We shouldn't envy him. He saw tragedy after tragedy, "said Roque.

According to Roque, Duterte just wanted to lighten the mood somewhat by cracking jokes. Roque called on all parties to "give the president a chance to have fun." Since coming to power in 2016, Duterte has sparked a lot of controversy with his use of vulgar language.

As well as condemning the Pope and calling Barack Obama a prostitute's son, Duterte once boasted that he abused domestic helpers when he was young. Duterte has also ordered soldiers to shoot female communist rebels in their genitals.

"Remember," said Holmes, "how when asked about his health, he answered by asking reporters about the smell of his wife's genitals? That is the classic bully behavior, "said Holmes. Duterte's followers often defend his remarks, saying his harsh language shows he is not hypocritical.

Holmes said that Duterte was "an inspiration to some who want to fool themselves into thinking that he has the same touch, that he is unlike any other president we've ever had."

Duterte's defenders say that Duterte's sexist jokes are what people like to hear and people will laugh at everything that has happened. Sex jokes like that don't need to be taken too seriously considering that the Philippines has gone through various hardships such as COVID-19 and being hit by hurricanes.