MANILA, Philippines - He has been accused of being sexist and a misogynist for his rape joke and other statements derogatory to women, but President Duterte heaped praises on women yesterday, calling them “heroes” who have contributed significantly to society.

In his message for International Women’s Day, Duterte said generations have been witness to the “amazing ways” by which women have transformed societies as mothers, workers, intellectuals, educators, caregivers, soldiers, activists, artists and leaders.

“Indeed, women are heroes,” Duterte said. “The entire world can look up to women – for their creativity and imagination, for their courage and boldness, for their self-sacrifice and charity.”

Duterte also said the Philippines is fortunate and grateful because it is a “fertile ground for outstanding women in various sectors.”

“The Philippines ranks high in the Asia Pacific region and in the world in terms of gender equality,” the President said.

“My administration shall strive to maintain this distinction as well as continue to recognize their invaluable contributions in sports, science, governance, education, public service and the arts,” he added.

Duterte is hopeful that International Women’s Day, which commemorates women’s historic struggle for equality, would spur awareness and inspire changes in attitudes in families, communities and the country.

“Together, we can make change work for women and women can make change work,” he said.

Critics have labeled Duterte as sexist and a misogynist for his remarks that degrade women.

During his presidential campaign, Duterte made a controversial joke about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary in a Davao City jail in 1989.

Duterte said the late missionary looked like an actress and as mayor “he should have been first.”

Despite the public outrage over his statement, Duterte did not apologize, saying he was just expressing his anger over the incident.

Duterte again drew flak from Vice President Leni Robredo for what she described as “tasteless” and “inappropriate” remarks about her knees and her outfit while Duterte was delivering a speech.

He was also criticized for slut-shaming his critic Sen. Leila de Lima by emphasizing that she had an affair with her driver, a married man who has alleged ties with drug lords.

De Lima is currently detained at Camp Crame on drug charges.

Robredo urges women to fight for freedom

Meanwhile, Robredo yesterday enjoined Filipino women to continue to fight for their freedom and stand for what they believe in amid the efforts to silence the critics of the Duterte administration.

“Democracy is about the freedom to be the people who we are called to be. Democracy without women is impossible,” Robredo said in a speech during the celebration of International Women’s Day at Miriam College in Quezon City.

Other women’s rights advocates Sen. Risa Hontiveros, former social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman and former presidential adviser on the peace process Ging Deles were present at the event.

De Lima, who is detained on drug-related charges, gave her message through a video presentation.

“I considered myself a veteran, particularly in championing the rights of victims of abuses. Not once did I feel that I was limited by my being a woman,” De Lima said.

To represent De Lima, a blue shawl was placed beside Robredo with a printed message saying, “The shawl must go on.” A scarf or shawl has become De Lima’s trademark.

Senators also pushed for greater vigilance against abuses and exploitation of women in joining the nation yesterday in observance of International Women’s Day.

Hontiveros said despite the country’s hard-fought gains for women’s welfare, “there is still a pervasive culture of sexism, misogyny and gender bias.” – With Helen Flores, Janvic Mateo, Paolo Romero