Why elect leaders who insult women?

May I thank the Inquirer for running the following columns in the Opinion section of the Inquirer’s April 20 issue: “The unspeakable,”  “Every woman is a victim,” and “Rape no laughing matter under any context.” These columns articulated women’s sentiments regarding the unbecoming action of a candidate for the highest office of the land, who is expected to provide an admirable example for emulation by young and old Filipinos alike, here and abroad.

Would we be proud of our country with a president who disrespects and insults women? Or must we bow our heads again in utter shame for the misconduct of “honorable” leaders? Should we allow leaders to be insensitive to the dignity of women and ignore the rights of the vulnerable?

We should correctly answer Heneral Antonio Luna’s “bayan o sarili” call and AlDub’s “tamang panahon” exhortation when we vote in the May 9 elections. Let us vote with prudence, fortitude, justice and temperance. Morals and decency are here to stay because they are not subject to change.

There is still time to redeem ourselves by upholding truth in our ballots.

—CHING D. AUNARIO, [email protected]