Duterte to keep his silence ‘for now’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the 25th Annual National Convention of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) held at The Bellevue Hotel Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol on June 28, 2018, reiterates his stern warning to the Vice Mayors not to get involved in illegal activities. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday said he would keep his silence ‘for now’ after getting criticisms over his negative remarks against Catholic church.

During the 25th Annual National Convention of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines (VMLP) in Bohol, Duterte quoted some Bible verses which he reads “almost every day”.

“It’s the Ecclesiastes 3: ‘For every season there is always a time under the sun. There’s a time to be calm, there’s a time to be silent, there’s a time to be poignant, a time to be subdued, and a time to be vicious,” Duterte said.

“That’s life really. There’s a time for want and a time for plenty; and a time for festivities and a time to mourn. A time to live and a time to die,” he continued.

He said people are not precluded from being “vicious” sometimes and “there would be a time to speak and I will, maybe in the coming days”.

“And for now, I will keep my silence for I want to see how the nation reacts. Kumbaga I’m shaking the tree. If you would notice me very now and then, either national or local, I’m really shaking the tree,” Duterte said.

When asked in an ambush media interview on what subjects he will keep his silence, the President replied: “On all”.

“Particularly my rift against the Catholic Church. I have no quarrel with the others but if they want to join the fray, it’s fine I said,” Duterte added.

When also asked if he intends to apologize for his tirades against Catholic church, Duterte said: “No, I will not do that, definitely. Not in a million years”.

Before he started his speech, Duterte read a note attached in his three-page speech.

“It says: ‘Mr. President, we are live on TV and on Facebook. Huwag kang magmura (Do not curse). Huwag kang maghanap ng away sa mga pari (Do not pick a fight with priests),” he said, drawing laughter from over 1,000 vice mayors.

On Wednesday, the Palace announced the formation of a panel that would conduct dialogues with different churches including Catholic group.

The presidential committee is composed of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco and Commissioner Pastor “Boy” Saycon of the EDSA People Power Commission.

Roque said the theme of the dialogue is how to lessen the rift between the government and the Church.

“I know there is a separation of church and state and that there was no need for dialogue but the President still decided to open the process of dialogue,” Roque said in a press conference in Davao City.

Roque also announced that Duterte was invited by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines to Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia to attend Pope’s Day celebration in Manila on Friday.

He said the President is unlikely to attend the event because invitation “came so late”.

Roque, however, said the four-man presidential panel can represent the President if it will be invited by the Papal Nuncio.