MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25, vowed to reject a “separation between God and state.”

Duterte told religious leaders during his first SONA: “Let me assure you that while I’m a stickler for the principle of separation between Church and state, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and state.”

Duterte made this statement after he slammed the Catholic Church in May for being the “the most hypocritical institution” in the Philippines. 

Catholic leaders have also criticized extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.

Duterte, however, has shown openness toward religious leaders.

Recently, in fact, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and retired Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal visited him in the Palace. Photos show Duterte kissing the hands of Tagle and Vidal in a traditional form of respect called “pagmamano.”

Minutes before he delivered his first SONA, an ecumenical prayer was also held at the House of Representatives. The prayer included religious leaders such as Iglesia ni Cristo spokesman Brother Edwil Zabala. – Rappler.com