Duterte defends catcall: That is a freedom of expression

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday defended his catcall at a female reporter during a press conference earlier this week amid criticism over the incident.

In a press briefing on Thursday evening, Duterte said he didn't find his action to be a violation of the landmark Women Development Code of Davao City, which he signed.

He whistled at the reporter asking the question and replied: “You do not have any business stopping me. That is a freedom of expression.”

Duterte said unless he threatens a woman, he shouldn't be stopped from expressing.

“That is binastos, if you go overboard and you start to harass a woman... I said if you cajole with a woman,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, when I first saw you...” Duterte told a female reporter who asked the question before whistling anew.

“You cannot stop anybody from whistling. But I would say, who gave you the right to presume I was whistling because I saw you?” he said.

Duterte drew flak after whistling during a question by GMA News reporter Mariz Umali during Tuesday evening's news conference. Umali said she felt it was improper, but added that she did not expect an apology from the incoming president.

Duterte said that he was not harassing Umali when he catcalled her.

“I was exasperated by the question. Whistling is not a sexual thing,” he said.

Umali had asked Duterte about how he will deal with non-performing Cabinet members. Noticing the Duterte can’t find her as she was seated at the back row, she said: “Sir, I am here.”

“Talagang nagpapansin ka talaga sa akin ah,” he said with a smile before whistling.

As she continued to ask for an answer, Duterte broke into a song. Umali then repeated her question until Duterte gave her an answer. —JST, GMA News