“You can’t let a good man down.”
This was how Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin defended on Tuesday Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David from the unsubstantiated claims of President Rodrigo Duterte in the past few days.
In a press conference, Villarin said David, a staunch critic of Duterte’s drug war, “is a good shepherd to his flock and will not abandon them on account of fear and despite the incessant attacks by a ravenous wolf.”
Last Thursday, the chief executive claimed that he knows a certain bishop “David” who steals Church donations for personal use. After that, Duterte also accused David of involvement in illegal drugs. The President did not provide any proof for both allegations.
READ: Duterte: Bishop ‘David’ stealing church offerings
Villarin said Duterte’s renewed attacks on the Catholic Church showed “how intolerant and spiteful he is to institutions.”
“His personal beliefs and issues on Church teachings and his concept of God should not be turned into policy pronouncements in public forums and presidential speeches,” he added.
Meanwhile, senatorial aspirants and lawyers Chel Diokno and Pilo Hilbay also expressed support for David.
“Hindi makatarungan ang pananakot kay Bishop Ambo David; wala ring basehan ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanya (The harassment of Bishop Ambo David is not fair; the allegations against him have no basis). I stand by Bishop Ambo in his crusade to fight for and protect fellow Filipinos,” Diokno said in a statement.
“In every diocese that he has served, Bishop Ambo has left a lasting mark for his humanitarian work and compassion for the poor. Bishop Ambo’s heart for the poor and the oppressed became more evident when they were killed without a warrant and regard for their rights,” Hilbay added. /ee