Philippines president refers to women as ‘b—-es’ and ‘crazy’ at women’s empowerment event

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte addressed female police officers and military staff at an event intended to celebrate them earlier this week as “puta,” which translates to “bitch” in English.

While delivering remarks at an event that was meant to honor the Southeast Asian country’s Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security on Monday, Duterte addressed the overwhelmingly female audience using the profane remark, The Guardian reports.

{mosads}He also addressed them as “you crazy women” and lamented women who he said deprive him “of my freedom of expression,” according to the international news agency.

Duterte also reportedly told the crowd at one point, “I love women.” 

“That’s why you see I have two wives. That means I like women,” he continued.

The appearance comes a week after Duterte drew criticism for warning women to stay away from Catholic priests, saying they risk being “cornered” by one if they were to catch the “scent of your body.” 

Duterte has since rejected criticism he has received from women over the remarks, reportedly saying during his appearance on Monday that women are “rejects of priests” and “that’s not my fault.” 

Duterte has been criticized as misogynist in the past and was also called a “macho-fascist” last year after it was reported that he ordered his military to shoot female rebels in the vagina, according to The Guardian.