MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo has declined to comment on President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that Catholicism would end in around 25 years, and took a swipe at the Chief Executive for missing self-imposed deadlines.
Robredo was alluding to Duterte’s campaign promise to end the illegal drugs menace in 3 to 6 months, which the President previously admitted was impossible.
“Hindi na lang siguro ako magko-comment, kasi marami naman siyang binitawan na salita na “will end in 3 months, will end in 6 months,” so baka later on sabihin, bawiin ulit,” she said in an interview on Tuesday, after the Ka Pepe Diokno Human Rights Awards ceremony.
(I’d rather not comment. He has earlier set deadlines, that such will end in 3 months, 6 months, which he may later retract.)
“So siguro mas tuonan na lang ng pansin ano iyong gagawin ng pamahalaan sa mga problemang bumabagabag sa ordinaryong Pilipino ngayon,” she added.
(It would be better if the government focuses on problems hounding ordinary Filipinos.)
In a speech in Pasay City on Monday, Duterte told members of the Liga ng mga Barangay that Catholicism would disappear in around 25 years, largely because of the abuses perpetrated by its priests.
READ: Duterte: Catholic Church will disappear in 25 years
During the same event, the President also backpedaled on his previous advice to kill and rob bishops and priests, saying that those who harm the clergy would be his enemy.
This came after Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle told Duterte that some priests have received death threats from individuals claiming to be connected with the Duterte family.
The President has denied the involvement of members of his family.
But for Robredo, the threat on priests proves that the culture of impunity in the country is worsening. / gsg