Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David. INQUIRER FILE
Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David refuted insinuations by President Rodrigo Duterte that he was into drugs, saying he was only having vitamins and fruit shake — and invited the Chief Executive to try them.
According to David, he has never been involved in drugs except to help rehabilitate those addicted to narcotics.
“Into drugs? No Sir, I’m not into drugs of any sort, whether legal or illegal. Never been. I only help in rehabilitating people addicted to drugs,” David said in a Facebook post late Monday night.
“I partner with the anti-drug abuse councils/offices of the local government units of Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas in this endeavor,” he added
David’s comment came after Duterte hit bishops who had asked for cars and favors from the government.
“And you have the balls [to criticize], brave as you are, to ask for cars from the government?” he asked.
The President was apparently referring to a seven-year-old controversy of some bishops asking for cars from then-President-and-now-Duterte-ally Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
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The controversy prompted the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to issue guidelines on accepting donations from the government.
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“I’m telling you, David. Nagdududa tuloy ako bakit sige ka ikot kapag gabi. Duda tuloy ako sa droga ka,” he added.
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Despite the fresh allegations, David wished the guidance of God upon Duterte and advised the chief executive to try taking vitamins and fruit shakes as well.
“Thank God I am not even taking any maintenance drugs yet. I only take vitamins with fruit shake blended with malunggay in the morning. You might want to try it, Sir. It will do you a lot of good. God bless you,” he said. /cbb