Women's groups in Davao City have reacted to a video of Rep. Paolo Duterte showing him harassing a businessman with a knife. But for women's rights advocates, it shows a deeper and more serious violence against women.
According to Jeanette Ampog, executive director of Talikala, the incident shows the system of prostitution in the country. She said women are sold and used, and anti-trafficking agencies are not addressing this issue. "There is a buyer, there is a pimp, there is sexual exploitation," she added.
The incident involving Duterte began when he got angry because a woman did not give one of his bodyguards. While another woman tried to ask about the tip that was not given as agreed. The Gabriela Women’s Party believes that not only Duterte is responsible but also the businesswoman who was abused.
“It is not enough for Patria to file a case. The deeper issue of abuse of prostituted women must also be addressed,” according to Gabriela. According to Dr. Jean Lindo of Gabriela, these women are exploited not only by a system, but also by men in power.
Finally, Mae Fe Templa, former undersecretary of DSWD, defined the commodification of women as a form of violence. According to her, many women are forced into prostitution due to poverty and lack of opportunities.
