The Standard - 2016 April 20 - Wednesday

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VOL. XXX NO. 67 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 WEDNESDAY : APRIL 20, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Marcos confident he’ll win VP race

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DIGONG RELENTS, SAYS HE’S SORRY

Daughter Inday Sara claims she was also raped By Rio N. Araja

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte relented Tuesday and apologized for saying he was furious at inmates who had raped an attractive Australian missionary in 1989 because they beat him to it—even as his own daughter Inday Sara said that she had been raped, too. “I apologize to the Filipino people for my recent remarks in a rally. There was no intention of disrespecting our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime. Sometimes my mouth

can get the better of me,” Duterte’s statement read. This was in contrast to a defiant statement Monday in which he refused to apologize and urged women’s groups and Catholics

who were outraged by his remarks not to vote for him. On the other hand, Duterte said he would not apologize for actions he has taken to protect the people, “especially the weak and defenseless, from crime.” “I know what it can do to the victims and their families. The anguish and pain they cause. The trauma that can’t be erased. I have witnessed these myself numerous times,” he said. “This is why I am angry. I am angry because horrendous things like this continue to happen to our women and children all over our land. And sadly, government

has failed to protect them,” he added. Duterte’s daughter said she too, was a victim of rape years ago at the hands of a priest, but her parents did not know about it. As a rape victim, she added, she was not offended by her father’s remarks, which were widely denounced by women, his opponents, critics, the Catholic Church and the Australian ambassador to the Philippines. Duterte also turned his apology into a pitch for his presidency, one day after he said he didn’t care if he won or lost. “If you will give me the chance

to lead this country, I promise to all of you that I will protect our women, children and families from the horrors and disorder of crime. I will do this even if I lose my life, my honor and even the presidency,” Duterte said. “My life is an open book. I am a man of many flaws and contradictions. But when it comes to securing the lives and future of our countrymen and women, you can trust me to do the right thing. I will fight for the people until my last breath.” The mayor’s camp also defended him against attacks based on his failed marriage. Next page

Women’s protest. Leaders of women’s groups hold up signs condemning Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s recent remarks about the raping and killing of an Australian missionary in 1989. MANNY PALMERO

Comelec to probe forced LP rally attendance By Christine F. Herrera GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The Commission on Elections and the Commission on Human Rights will investigate reports that government officials are forcing dole recipients to attend political rallies in favor of administration candidate for president Manuel Roxas II.

Opposition candidate for president Vice President Jejomar Binay tagged Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman as being behind the coercion of beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, a multi-billion-peso dole program. But Gabriela party-list Rep. Emmi de Jesus named President Benigno Aquino III, Budget Secretary Flor-

encio Abad and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the culprits behind the use of government funds to promote the Roxas campaign. Binay, the standard bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance, said members of the 4Ps were being used much in the same way they were in the 2013 Next page mid-term elections.

Duterte keeps lead in latest Pulse poll

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