MANILA (UPDATED) - A representative of a women's group on Sunday urged the public to see beyond the image of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as a womanizer, and examine his track record instead.

Gabriela Party-list Rep. Luz Ilagan said criticisms of Duterte's philandering ways was mainly caused by media hype.

"Womanizing, kissing: most of that is media hype. .. Even if he says that I am a womanizer, may mga girlfriend, remember that the mayor is already separated. His marriage has been annulled," Ilagan said.

(READ: Me, a womanizer? I'm already 70, says Duterte)

(WATCH: Duterte greets women with 'kissing spree')

Ilagan added that controversies will naturally crop up against Duterte as he vies for the country's highest electoral post. But the public, she said, should also focus on Duterte's achievements and abilities.

"I personally even say that look beyond the words, look beyond the actions. Focus on what he has done, what he can do, what he is still doing that will benefit our people," Ilagan said.

Gabriela once slammed Duterte for his sexual affairs, saying that "womanizing and flaunting it is an affront to women."

Ilagan said their comments against Duterte were "principled criticisms" that the mayor has acknowledged.

Duterte attended the Forum of the Women for Action with Rody Duterte (ForwaRD Women) on Sunday. It was an assembly of women from various communities who are not necessarily members of Gabriela.

Women's groups in the gathering shared with Duterte the issues they find relevant, including peace, good governance and equal employment opportunities.

Ilagan said Duterte also promised to study the divorce bill that they are pushing. -- Report from Bonna Pamplona, ABS-CBN News