MALACAÑANG hit back on Tuesday, January 15, at a Catholic bishop who claimed that President Rodrigo Duterte's rule was a "disgrace."
Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos must have either been "misinformed" about Duterte's presidency, or was merely "ignoring" the Chief Executive's accomplishments for the country.
"He (Santos) said that it is a disgrace presidency with the President at the helm," Panelo said.
"I wonder if he (Santos) has asked himself: What is disgrace? One who is a member of the clergy making unsavory language a man or against the President who is only doing his constitutional duty to serve and protect the people? Or one like the President who instead of throwing mud would rather smile and joke about it?" he added.
In a recent interview with church-run Radio Veritas, Santos said Duterte's presidency was not only a "disappointment," but also a "disgrace."
The bishop made the remark after Duterte issued another harsh rhetoric against the clergy, particularly his call on the bystanders to "rob" and "kill" moneyed bishops.
In attacking the President, Santos seemed to have failed to practice the Catholic teachings, the Palace official said.
Panelo likewise stressed that the Palace was "saddened" to hear such remarks against Duterte, which came from "a man of the cloth."
"I think the good bishop is forgetting that Christ has taught us that if someone throws stones at you, then throw a piece of bread in return. That's Christian doctrine and that is the teaching of the Church. It appears that the good bishop is not practicing what he teaches and what he has learned in the seminary," Panelo said.
"So rather than lambast the President, it will be more Christian-like to pray with the one whom you feel to be sinning against whatever doctrines you have in mind," he added.
Panelo further emphasized that Duterte, like Santos, was "imperfect," but the Chief Executive chose to look "at the innate goodness of man."
He added that the prelate should realize that Duterte was doing his best to fulfill his mandate to improve the lives of Filipinos.
Panelo then said the bishop should instead pray for Duterte's "success" in leading the nation.
"What is a disgrace is when a member of the clergy uses unsavory language against President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who only fulfills and complies with his constitutional mandate to lead the government in serving the Filipinos and protecting them from what bedevils our society," Panelo said.
"Rather than throw mud, you must remember that all of us are parts of one whole and the Church should lead in the prayers for everyone, including the President because the success of this President is the success of all of us," he added. (SunStar Philippines)