Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte stated Thursday that the presidency was not a job for a woman because of their emotional differences to men, dismissing speculation that his daughter would succeed him next year.
“My daughter is not running. I have told Inday not to run because I pity (her) knowing she will have to go through what I am going through,” Duterte said at the launching of a highway project, referring to his daughter Sara by her nickname.
“This is not for women. You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different,” Duterte affirmed. “ You will become a fool here. So... that is the sad story.”
The presidency in the Philippines has previously been held by two women, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2010 and Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1992.
Although President Duterte, 75, has been known for offensive, sexist and misogynistic remarks, which he often describes as harmless jokes, he is still hugely popular among female voters in the Philippines.
Responding to the Philippine leader’s statements, Cristina Palabay of human rights group Karapatan stressed that women are as capable as men in any job.
“What matters most especially when we talk of the presidency and public office is if the interests of the poor majority are upheld,” Palabay asserted.
Daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, 42, has succeeded him as mayor of Davao City, coming top in a recent opinion poll that asked the public to choose a preferred candidate from a list of possible contenders for the 2022 elections.
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