With new head, CBCP sees smoother ties with Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Will the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) tone down its criticisms against the administration of President Duterte under a new leadership?

A CBCP official thinks this is possible as they hope for a “friendlier” relationship with the administration upon assumption of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles of the top CBCP post next month.

Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP public affairs committee, said the conference may be expected to change its approach on critical issues, such as the extrajudicial killings (EJKs), under Valles who is known to have close ties with the President, former long-time mayor of Davao City.

“We are hoping for a smooth relationship. President Duterte’s friendship with Archbishop Valles may play a part in it,” the priest said in an interview yesterday.

Secillano, however, quickly clarified that the CBCP would remain critical of various issues, especially those concerning the sanctity of life.

“We have to remember that a change in CBCP leadership doesn’t mean a change in stand on issues such as EJK, same-sex marriage, divorce, or death penalty,” he stressed.

“What may change perhaps is the approach, tone, and strategy in tackling those issues,” Secillano hinted.

Valles and other new CBCP officials will assume their posts on Dec. 1 and will serve a two-year term until November 2019.

The prelate succeeds CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas, who led the CBCP as one of the most vocal critics of the Duterte administration’s bloody war against drugs after it resulted in thousands of perceived EJK cases.

The Church, in turn, has received tirades from Duterte himself and his supporters.