"...Nalulungkot nga si Pastor kasi binalewala na siya. Hindi siya isinali ng mga taong napaligid kay mayor..."
-- Pastor Quiboloy's spokesman
IT sounds odd that the first loud complaint of an insider in incoming president Rodrigo Duterte's camp comes from his spiritual adviser.
Not his political strategist or some fat contributor but the religious leader who said Duterte would be the next president because he dreamed about playing golf with him in Malacañang.
He's Apollo C. Quiboloy, founder and head of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the "Name Above Every Name," a religious group based in Davao City.
The pastor said he has been cut off from Duterte's circle since May 9, when they last talked.
Quiboloy said he had not taken part in discussions on the choice of Cabinet members. There must be a process, which must mean the process should include the pastor.
But shouldn't a spiritual adviser give advice only when it is sought and only on matters of the soul, not affairs of state?
Maybe Duterte has not been bothered spiritually lately. Maybe other pressing matters, such as parceling out the spoils to friends and fund donors, have occupied his time.
Limits
For days, Quiboloy whined publicly. He didn't say though that not only did he supply Duterte with a jet for the campaign, aside from parcels of land and vehicles the pastor earlier gave the mayor, the pastor also pulled strings in heaven, as "appointed son of God," to make the mayor win.
(The pastor's clout with divine providence didn't work in 2010 when after announcing that "the Almighty Father has appointed Gibo Tedoro as the president of this nation," Gibo placed fourth with only 4.09 million or 11.33% of the vote.)
But Quiboloy pulled back yesterday, saying he'd return, "in the national interest," to affairs of his church. He must have been reminded by his Boss up there to keep church and state apart.
(paseares@gmail.com)