Palace: Duterte is not the ‘bully’ in Tagle’s sermon

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte was not being alluded to in the recent homily of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle condemning bullies who abuse their power, Malacañang said Tuesday.

On Sunday’s sermon during the first “Misa de Gallo” of the Christmas season at the Manila Cathedral, Tagle condemned the abuse of power, saying that no one should use it to intimidate others.

“Do not belittle others.That you are in high office does not mean you have the right to trample others. You will never be happy that way,” Tagle said.

“In truth, a bully, someone who uses his power to belittle others, is a fearful and insecure person,” he added.

READ: Tagle condemns abuse of power, bullying

Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that those abusive officials may also apply to those in the Church who use the “pulpit for bullying people.”

“I agree. But whom does he refer to? Because those in power would also apply to those in the Church. You use the pulpit for bullying people, then it’s the same,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“If the message is in the generic or general term, then I agree. You cannot be using power to bully or to coerce people. The President is against that too,” he added.

Asked if Duterte feel alluded to, Panelo said: “No. Because, he doesn’t bully people.”

“He expresses his sentiment on a particular matter, situation. He expresses dislike and he explains it. He threatens criminals, yes. To make them feel threatened and stop doing their criminal acts,” he added.

Duterte has been known in mocking the Catholic Church, the dominant religion in the country.

A few weeks ago, the President urged the people to kill the bishops, calling them “useless” because they did nothing but criticize his brutal war on drugs. /jpv