DAVAO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Honolulu Bureau) – “Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect, and whistle a happy tune, so no one will suspect I’m afraid.”

President-elect Rod Duterte today defended his catcalling of a female reporter during a recent press briefing, citing the song, “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” from the Broadway musical and film, “The King and I.”

The Davao City mayor said, “just like what the song says, I was really afraid and nervous during the press briefing and that’s why I resorted to whistling.  “It was not intended to disrespect the reporter,” he added.

Media reports on the incident, however, failed to say whether Duterte whistled in, or out of, tune.

Meanwhile, Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, who ran for councilor of Davao in the May polls, said catcalling is “not a form of sexual harassment.” Ilagan’s statement drew a few whistles here and there, especially from women advocates.