Roxas camp hits Duterte for 'ignorance' on economy
ABS-CBN News
MANILA - The camp of administration standard bearer Mar Roxas on Thursday lambasted Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte anew, this time over the tough-talking mayor's alleged "ignorance" on the Philippine economy.
The PDP-Laban presidential candidate on Wednesday spoke before members of the business community to bare his economic plans. Roxas and Senator Grace Poe also presented themselves before the country's business elite last month.
During the meeting, Duterte said he would implement infrastructure projects that were held up under past governments due to a lack of "political will." He also said he would continue the conditional cash transfer program.
Peter Angelo Perfecto, executive director of the Makati Business Club, told ANC that their expectations of Duterte "were not met" as the mayor failed to go into the specifics of his plans.
READ: Bizmen expected more from Duterte meeting: MBC exec
In a statement, Roxas' spokesman, Rep. Barry Gutierrez, said this only proves Duterte's supposed lack of knowledge and interest in the economy.
"Empty cans make a lot of noise," he said. "The businessmen needed to hear his platforms to know if they should start packing up or if they stay and keep investing."
"Instead, the Mayor shared sexist remarks, tall tales about his bravery, and the shenanigans he would pull off if elected. Ignorance about the economy cannot be remedied by hiring advisers. The candidate must have a good grasp of the issues and take the matter seriously. This is an issue that involves jobs, income, and price of goods. This is a matter of life for our families," he added.
Duterte, who has repeatedly vowed to crush criminality in only three to six months, was his usual self when he faced the businessmen, lacing his speech with profanity.
He also defended his reputation as a womanizer and even went on to accuse the audience of being the same.
"Wala namang nakikialam sa babae, kasi lahat naman, may babae talaga," Duterte said. "Wag mo na akong lokohin; diretso-diretso tayo."
WATCH: Duterte curses in front of businessmen
READ: Duterte tells businessmen: We are womanizers
According to Gutierrez, it is "obvious" that Duterte does not care about women. This, despite the ordinances in Davao City which the mayor claims protect women.
"Along with the rape joke, we can see his misogynistic view of women and his disregard for the very laws he claims to have passed. This man is an embarrassment for the Filipino people," he said.