Duterte willing to be crucified if priests refute 'Altar of Secrets'
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said he would be willing to get crucified on the Holy Week if priests could debunk at least one allegation on the book "Altar of Secrets."
The president made the remarks after once again hurling attacks against the Catholic church during the unveiling of a high school in Bulacan on Thursday.
"Kung masagot nila ito at sabihin nila may isang bagay dito na mali, abangan ninyo ang Holy Week. Dito ako magpalansang sa krus sa Bulacan (If they answer this and say one thing is wrong, wait for Holy Week. I will have myself nailed to the cross here in Bulacan)," Duterte said in his speech.
Some Filipino devotees have themselves crucified during Holy Week as part of their penance, mirroring the sufferings of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross.
The book, authored by the late Filipino journalist Aries Rufo, supposedly exposes the anomalies in the Philippine Catholic church.
Duterte, however, clarified that he would only have himself nailed on the cross for 30 minutes.
"Kaya ko man 'yan (I can do that)... As a matter of principle, I will do that. But you correct this. Tell us the truth," the president said.
Duterte added that it was not his choice to become a Catholic as both his parents already made the decision for him when he was a child.
"We'd had no choice... when I was born. My mother and father was Catholic. I was brought to the church. I had no choice," he said.
The president has been bringing up "Altar of Secrets" whenever he hurls verbal attacks against the Catholic Church during his speeches.
Coincidentally, this book was the one he gave away to a Filipina worker in South Korea in exchange for a kiss. The president drew ire for this action for being inappropriate. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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