MANILA, Philippines – The camp of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte backtracked on Thursday, May 26, and said the Davao City mayor is not against the Catholic Church even after calling it “the most hypocritical institution.”

In an interview with reporters, incoming presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said: “He raises issues about certain, particular members of the Church. But he is not against the Church.”

“E sinasabi niya na nga, naniniwala siya sa Diyos e,” Panelo added. (He even says he believes in God.)

On perceptions that Duterte is against the Catholic Church, Panelo cited “slanted” reporting by media. 

“Siguro iba lang ang intindi,” he said. (Maybe they just have a different interpretation.)

Panelo’s statement comes after Duterte on Sunday, May 22, slammed a “hypocritical” Catholic Church for asking favors from the government, among other things.

Statistics show 8 out of 10 Filipinos belong to the Catholic Church, whose bishops remain outspoken on issues such as family planning and divorce.

‘Iglesia ni Duterte’

Duterte, who had claimed he was molested by a Catholic priest, said he has already abandoned the Catholic faith.

“Lipat na lang kayo dito sa Iglesia ni Duterte,” he said in a recent news conference. (Just transfer to the Church of Duterte.)

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has not responded to Duterte’s tirades as of posting time.

In any case, the president-elect’s statements against the Catholic Church have drawn flak from many Catholics.

In a Thought Leaders piece for Rappler, San Beda law dean Fr Ranhilio Callangan Aquino admitted that “the sinfulness of priests and bishops is not in debate.”

Aquino, however, pointed out the work of the Catholic Church to help survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and indigents, as well as to educate Filipinos in Catholic schools. 

Aquino said: “The Church will never claim these to her credit. But it will be well to remember those times we applauded the Church and her leaders whenever we are inclined to dismiss her as irrelevant!” – Rappler.com