Raffy Tima of GMA 7 News has cried foul over incoming President Rodrigo Duterte who catcalled his wife Mariz Umali during a press conference in Davao City last May 31.
On Facebook, Tima wrote: “Catcalling My Wife Is Wrong In So Many Levels. I expected that from a Mayor Duterte. I know his reputation well enough not to be shocked by it, but that does not make it right.”
Tima said that Duterte must show “leadership by example.” He added: “Then again, that’s Mayor Duterte.”
On June 1, a report on “24 Oras” news program of GMA 7 showed Umali trying to get the attention of Duterte to answer her question on how he would deal with non-performing Cabinet secretaries.
Umali, who is also a GMA 7 news reporter and news anchor, said: “I’m here!” and repeated her question.
Finally, the President noticed her. Then he cracked a joke: “Papansin ka talaga sa akin ah.” Then he whistled. The people in the room, mostly media men, laughed.
Umali ignored the reaction of the people and said: “Sir, can I get an answer please?”
Then Duterte belted: “Malayo ang tingin…” the opening line from the hit song “Kaibigan” by Anthony Castelo.
“Married na ’yan!” an unidentified member of the press shouted. Umali and Tima got married in 2012.
Umali just smiled, bowed her head, and went on to ask the same question. At this point, Duterte finally answered her.
Tima said he was surprised at how the people in the room reacted during the press conference.
“When you see or hear anyone say something wrong, you do not encourage it, you do the opposite. Or in that particular instance at least, they should have kept quiet and in their silence gave the message that what the mayor did was wrong,” said Tima.
Tima has pointed out that the incident was not funny at all.
“Some jokes are funny and should be laughed at… but disrespecting women is definitely not one of them,” he said.
Netizens have expressed support to Tima. They said that Duterte should behave properly now that he is President. Duterte will take his oath on June 30, 2016.
SERIOUSLY? THIS IS YOUR NEWS?