Duterte slams Church: Using your religion to attack a person is wrong

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Barangay Summit on Good Governance Region 11, held at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena in Davao City on December 18, 2018. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte took a swipe at the Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 18, saying they should not use their religion to “attack” a person.

This, after Manila Archbishop Cardinal Tagle hit “bullies,” who abuse their power, during his homily on the first night of Simbang Gabi or dawn masses.

“Kani pung obispo si Tagle, dili daw nako hadlukon. Kanus-a ba ko nanghadlok? Labon sila og mag-misa didto sa katong kang Trillanes… Kang Trillanes, ‘Ah mamatay na man unta na si Duterte sa sakit (They say I shouldn’t threaten Bishop Tagle. When have I ever done that? But when they hold their mass for Trillanes, they say, ‘Ah, Duterte should die from sickness),’” Duterte said during a speech in during a barangay summit on good governance in Davao City.

He was referring to Father Noel Gatchalian who earlier jested that he prayed for the Chief Executive to be sick when he led the mass for Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

[READ: Duterte wishes Fr. Noel Gatchalian to die from venereal disease]

“Unya kung bawsan ingnon nako, ‘Sige, patya ninyo ng mga obispong inutil.’ Unya demonyo daw ko. Mao nay kadaot og gamiton nimong relihiyon para plataporma naa kay atakehong tawo (To get back at them I’ll say, ‘Okay, kill all the bishops who are inutile.’ They also said I’m a devil. Using your religion as a platform to attack a person is wrong),” he added.

During his sermon last Sunday, December 16, Tagle told those who are in the position not to use their authority to be ‘vulgar,’ “to coerce” others, and ‘spread distorted truths.’

Duterte, in his speech, stressed that due to the separation of Church and state, the two parties will “never reach an understanding.”

“We will never come to terms,” Duterte said.

Tagle did not disclose whom he was referring to in his homily, but Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo was earlier asked if the President felt “alluded” to the prelate’s remarks.

Responding to this, the spokesman said, “No, because he doesn’t bully people.

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“He expresses his sentiment on a particular matter, situation. He expresses dislike and he explains it. He threatens criminals, yes, to make them feel threatened and stop doing their criminal acts,” he added.

Nevertheless, Duterte’s mouthpiece agreed with Tagle that no one should make use of their powers to belittle others.

Duterte’s rift with the Catholic Church widened when he recently said “useless” bishops who do nothing but criticize his administration should be killed.