Duterte attacks vs Catholic Church goes on; tells prelates to ‘shape up’

President Rodrigo Duterte. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte told priests and bishops to “shape up” as he continued his attacks against the Catholic Church, which he often described as the “most hypocritical institution” in the country.

In a speech during the 85th anniversary of the labor department, Duterte again slammed the Church’s second collection of money during mass.

“Naka-gold pa. ‘Yung inuman, ‘yung mga gold. Karaming mura na baso diyan sa Quiapo, pa-gold-gold pa kayo. Tapos tayo pa ang mag-gastos. Unang koleksyon, ‘yung pangalawang [koleksyon], para ‘yun sa pamilya nila, maniwala ka,” he said.

He also criticized priests once again, alleging they used the Church’s second collection during Mass to feed their families.

“Maniwala ka. Eh tanungin ninyo. Umuwi man kayo. Tignan niyo ‘yung mga istilo ng pari ninyo. Kunwari ‘pag sa misa, “Tayo’y dapat hindi magkasala, iwasan natin ang mga panahon na ikaw ay – hindi ako marunong mag-Tagalog. Anong Bisaya word for tempt? sa Tagalog? Ma-tempt? Ika’y matukso sa…” Pagkatapos, PI pala, may mga pamilya ang u***. So sige ang atake sa akin,” he said.

He hit back at the Catholic Church who described him as “devil.”

“You know, to be… PI kayong mga gago kayo. Kung mag-tindig ka sa pulpito tapos sabihin mo ako ang demonyo, eh ano ka? Kung demonyo ako, kayo ano? Religious? Tapos… Come on, you shape up,” he said.

He again urged the public to read the book “Altar of Secrets” by the late journalist Aries Rufo.

“Pag nabasa mo last page, hindi ka na Katoliko. Ako, I advice you. Stay with God but ‘wag kayo magpaloko sa religion,” he said.  /kga