WOMEN'S group Gabriela partylist on Sunday clarified its stance over a recent incident showing president-elect Rodrigo Duterte whistling to a female reporter after one of its official said that catcalling is not a form of sexual harrasment.
"In the interest of clarity, Gabriela Women's Party reiterate our unwavering and firm position on matters pertaining to women's rights and welfare in the light of news that again placed such interest in the limelight," Gabriela posted on its Facebook account.
Gabriela's statement contradicted the earlier statement made by one of its representative, Luz Ilagan.
Ilagan, who ran for councilor in Davao, in an interview said that catcalling is "not a form of sexual harassment."
She also said that the new president is different and he should be accepted for his differences.
The women's group stressed that Duterte's act is improper and is a form of sexual harrasment.
"Catcalling is improper. It is an uncalled-for act that is demeaning to women. In fact, ordinances in Quezon City and even in Davao City saw the need to address this offensive demeanor and included it as one form of sexual harassment."
Gabriela said Duterte, as the country's incoming president, should help educate the public on women's rights.
"As the highest official of the country, we hope President Rodrigo Duterte will help educate the general public on the respect of women's rights, as reflected in the first of its kind Gender Development Code pushed by women's rights advocates, including GABRIELA-Davao and supported by President Duterte as Mayor in Davao City."
In a press conference in Davao City last Tuesday, Duterte interrupted a question by GMA-7 reporter Mariz Umali when he whistled and sang a song to her.
The president-elect, through his spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo, said he only wanted to compliment the reporter. Panelo also said that what Duterte did is not a form of sexual harassment. (Sunnex)