Bayan Muna: Duterte tirades vs Church mere diversion

MANILA, Philippines – Bayan Muna party-list on Friday slammed President Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks against the Catholic Church, adding that it is a diversion, adding that religious leaders must guide the faithful in fighting against looming tyranny in the Philippines.
“Part ng diversion yan. Ina-atake niya ang simbahan siyempre tulad ito ng mga atake niya sa ibang mga institusyon na tumutuligsa sa mga policies ng pamahalaan,” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said in a prayer rally at Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Manila.

(It’s a diversionary tactic.  He attacks the Church the way he attacks other institutions who are opposing government policies).

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said Duterte wants to smear the credibility of Church to minimize opposition to his administration.

“Kaya pinapakita diyan at sinisikap niyang [Duterte] isara ang credibility ng Church para yung isang balwarte ng paglaban sa kung ano ang binabalak niya, lalo na yung patungo sa tyranny at dictatorship ay  mababawasan,” Ocampo said.

(Duterte is trying to clip the credibility of the Church so that a pillar in fighting hid plans will be weakened).

Meanwhile, former Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman said Duterte must stop attacking the Church.

“Bilang pangulo dapat ginagalang niyo ang Diyos at bayan. ‘Di na kami tatahimik at di na kami papayag na iniinsulto mo ang alagad ng Diyos,” she said at the sidelines of the rally

(As president, he should respect God and the people,  We will not keep quiet and we will not tolerate insults against the Church)./ gsg