Unfair to point at PRRD as behind threats vs. priests: Palace

In a briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the threats could be from various sources, including critics of the Duterte administration, enemies of priests, or pranksters. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang said Tuesday it is unfair to point at President Rodrigo R. Duterte as the one behind the threats allegedly received by some clergymen.

In a briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the threats could be from various sources, including critics of the Duterte administration, enemies of priests, or pranksters.

“It is unfair to be pointing to the President as behind it,” Panelo said.

He said that while the President criticizes the Catholic Church in some of his speeches, these are in general and are not directed at any specific individual.

“Wala naman siyang pini-pinpoint na specific individual, except iyong nag-abuso sa kaniya na namatay na (He does not pinpoint any specific individual, except the one who abused him, who is already dead),” Panelo said.

Duterte, he said, has already warned against attacking priests and bishops.

“Iyong si Presidente ganoon ang istilo (That’s the President’s style) ever since. And yet look at the survey, tinanggap na siya ng tao (people have accepted him),” he said.

The President earlier warned impostors using his name and claiming to be working for the Presidential family, to leave religious leaders alone since they have “nothing to do with politics.”