Minutes after she filed her certificate of candidacy (CoC) for senator, women’s rights advocate Pia Cayetano on Tuesday, Oct. 16, refused to comment on the controversial kiss of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to an overseas Filipino worker in South Korea.
“First of all, I’m not the President’s spokesperson so the President can defend himself and answer the questions with respect to his actions and his words. When it comes to my actions, I think my record speaks for itself,” Cayetano said.
She then enumerated the bills she advocated, including the reproductive health law and the divorce bill.
Cayetano was then asked about her views on the controversial issue of Duterte kissing an OFW.
“Like I said, he can defend himself. I am not his spokesperson. Look at my track record. I will continue to fight for women, for children, for health care, and for education,” Cayetano said, interrupting the question.
“But Ma’am, as a self-professed—,” Cayetano was again asked but she immediately cut the question.
“I’ll take another question,” she said.
Pressed for an answer, she was again questioned, “As a self-professed spokesperson of women?”
Cayetano cut the question one last time. “I’ll take another question, please. I’ve answered already. Thank you.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Angie de Silva/Rappler
