02/25/2019 Philippines (International Christian Concern) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly lashed out at the Church and Catholic bishops since he took office. However, ahead of the upcoming mid-term general elections on May 13, he used a campaign rally to change his tune.

According to CNN Philippines, speaking at the campaign rally in Cebu on Sunday, Duterte told groups to “lay off” priests and other officials of the religious sector. This comes amid rumors that some individuals claiming to be working for the President’s family have been sending death threats to some bishops, including one named David.

During his speech, the president mentioned a text message sent by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to him regarding the supposed threats received by the clergy. He denied having anything to do with the threats before he asked people not to lay hands on the religious clergy.

“They have nothing to do with this. Do not try to do it. The religious (sector) has nothing to do with the vagaries of life,” he said. “Lay off. The moment you touch nuns or priests […] Do not touch them because those are religious people. If you touch them, you will have to face me,” he added.

Duterte’s previous tirades against the Church and bishops come from their criticism of his war on drugs and deteriorating human rights in the country. He has called God “stupid”, characterized the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as “silly” and accused bishops of concealing their homosexuality. Last December, Duterte went as far as to call Catholic bishops “useless fools” and said that they should be “killed.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].