Bishops declare truce in tirades vs Duterte

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is optimistic that a dialogue will bridge whatever differences there are  between officials of the Catholic Church and presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte had been very critical in his recent statements against the Catholic bishops. He even called some Catholic bishops hypocrites for hitting him because of his family planning suggestion.

“A dialogue may happen in a formal way or in an informal way but I think anything that would make him believe that we are praying for him, that we are praying for the country, that we would like to collaborate in anything that would be good for our people,” Palma said.

The prelate said Church leaders are always open to dialogue.

“We would give him the assurance that he is not alone, as others may think the job of the president is. He has in fact many well-meaning people who are accompanying him because we love our country and because we love our people,” Palma said.

Palma said Catholic bishops may have to wait until the incoming president assumes his post and limit on giving any remark especially regarding Duterte’s statements against the Church.

“Might as well just wait until he sits in office and probably make a real good assessment on how we can collaborate with him and how we can have a word with him,” he said.

Palma said it would be “better not to make so much comment” especially when they perceive unclear stand from the incoming president.

Palma said they have already met and discussed about how to deal with the incoming president. The meeting was held on May 24 in Dagupan City with Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and 47 other bishops.

“Among the things, we talked of the situation of the country. We even thought that perhaps at this point in time, it might be good to have a thorough talk considering that the incoming president seem to be a little bit difficult to assess. I’ll put it that way (and) that’s quoting also from the media. He says one thing today. He modifies it a little bit after a week,” Palma explained.

Palma was hopeful that reconciliation will happen in due time considering that Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles and Duterte were in good speaking terms.

Palma also believes that Valles will become the next CBCP president which might lead to a harmonious relationship between the Church and the State.

“Now he (Valles) is the vice president. When Archbishop Soc (Villegas) ends his term in two years, I believe he will be elected president with Duterte still the president of the country. Knowing that they are both from Davao, the possibility or the reality of a dialogue and a good working relationship will happen,” said Palma.

Palma has adopted the official stand of the Archdiocese of Davao on the issues concerning Duterte’s tirade against the church. — (FREEMAN)