One-on-one: Duterte, Valles meeting set in Malacañang on July 9

Then presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte visits Davao City Archbishop Romulo Valles in his residence. Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2015. —PHOTO FROM BONG GO’S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

The meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Romulo Valles will be held in Malacañang this July 9, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

“Well, I confirm that this Monday, July 9, Archbishop Valles will be meeting the President here in Malacañang,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Roque said Duterte believed that his meeting with Valles is “not unusual” since they were known to be friends even before the former Davao City mayor became the President of the country.

The dialogue between the two leaders would come after Mr. Duterte hurled scathing remarks against the Catholic Church, even calling God “stupid” and questioning the creation theory in the Bible.

READ:  Duterte to meet with CBCP head Valles on July 9

Duterte had earlier formed a committee to dialogue with the Catholic Church and other religious groups to address the President’s rift with the Church.   /kga