Philippines presidential hopeful Rodrigo Duterte apologized for his allegedly vulgar comments against the Australian rape victim.

Referring to the 1989 rape and murder of an Australian missionary, that took place in Davao City, Duterte said, “I was angry she was raped, yes that was one thing. But she was so beautiful, I think the mayor should have been first. What a waste.”

After his comments during a campaign rally on April 12th, he was hunted by several women, human rights organizations and other celebrities, to apologize for the same.

Finally, he has now come down on the issue saying, “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.”

Duterte chalked up his comments to his mouth, getting the better of him. He  professed to be “angry because horrendous things like this continue to happen to our women and children all over our land.”

“I will not apologize for the things I've done to protect our people, especially the weak and defenseless, from crime.”

Duterte's controversial comments referred to an incident at Davao City jail, during his first term as mayor, when inmates took 15 church workers hostage, including the Australian lay minister.

The Australian embassy in the country found fault with Duterte and responded through a facebook post: “Rape and murder should never be joked about or trivialized.”

This scene is being utilized by Duterte’s political rivals to their best, as he (Duterte) was tipped to win, in the upcoming May 9th presidential election. 

Jejomar Binay, current vice president and presidential candidate, said that Duterte didn't deserve to be elected to the country's top job: “Rape and murder of a woman is not funny at all. Mister Duterte, don't you have a mother? Don't you have daughters? Your statement is simply revolting.”

By Phani Ch