I WOULD have wanted to write about President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest tirade against the Roman Catholic Church. After all, he did brand saints as “fools and drunkards” during a post-disaster command conference in Isabela in the aftermath of typhoon Rosita last Thursday, Nov. 1. But then, I’d be a hypocrite if I said I was insulted by the slurs.
I don’t know about the “fools” part, but I have written, on many occasions, about my drinking sessions with members of the clergy. How they make the best drinking companions because not only can they hold their liquor, they’re also well-versed in philosophy and other “intelligent” subjects that crop up in the conversation after a case or two or three of beer.
I guess, it’s not so farfetched to brand saints as “drunkards,” although I would say that with utmost respect coupled with deference and awe. So yes, the President may have a point. Mind you, I’m not defending his expletive-laced rhetoric.
I may be a staunch supporter of this administration’s war against illegal drugs and criminality but it doesn’t mean I won’t criticize if I think the President has crossed the line. I looked the other way when bodies began to pile up in the attempt to put a stop to the drug trade. I would not even entertain the thought that the police may be behind some of the killings. The problem has gotten so bad that I don’t care what they do as long as they address this drug menace.
Oh, I even refused to listen when some sectors blamed Duterte’s economic policies for the high inflation. What we’re going through right now is “chicken” compared to what’s happening in Venezuela. I don’t see people lining in the streets to buy food or whatnot.
Anyway, my point is (and yes, this column has a point) Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is right. We shouldn’t overreact when the President drops bombshells against the Catholic Church. Don’t forget, this is the guy who called God “stupid” and who took a jab at the allegedly faulty creation story in the Bible.
Also, as Palma pointed out, Duterte is not the official teacher of our faith. He can say whatever he wants against the overwhelmingly majority religion of this country, and it won’t matter to those who are strong in faith because they will continue to believe.
I mean, what was it that he said? “Happy All Saints’ Day. Bakit naman... Sa bagay, itong tarantado talaga itong mga Katolikong p***. Bakit naman may All Souls’ Day tapos may All Saints’ Day?” the President wondered.
Okay. Take out the “tarantado” part and Duterte may be on to something. I, too, as a Catholic with a fondness for alcohol, want to know why the two holidays are next to each other. Hmm. That might even be a good question to ask my friends in the church the next time we celebrate God’s goodness with a bottle of rum.
But I don’t think that was what shocked many people; it was what he said next that raised some eyebrows: “Hindi nga natin alam kung sino ‘yang mga santo na ‘yun. Sino ‘yung mga gago na ‘yun. Mga lasenggo. Dito na lang kayo. I’ll give you a patron. Get hold of a picture of mine. Iyan ang ilagay niyo sa altar, Santo Rodrigo.”
Come on. Can’t you tell when Duterte is joking?