MANILA, Philippines — On Good Friday, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David asked Filipinos who will vote in the May polls: Will your vote be for Jesus or for Barabbas?
In a Facebook post, Bishop recalled the trial of Jesus Christ, which was presided over by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea.
According to the New Testament, Barabbas, who was described in Matthew 27:16 as a “notorious prisoner,” was voted by the mob to be released instead of Jesus Christ.
“Pontius Pilate gave them a chance to vote. It was a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. They elected Barabbas, and had Jesus crucified,” David wrote.
“Will your vote in May be for Jesus or for Barabbas?” the bishop asked.
The Caloocan prelate has caught the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte for his critical stand against the war on drugs, which has killed thousands, mostly of poor small-time peddlers.
He was particularly vocal about the killing of Kian delos Santos, who was 17 years old when he died in an anti-drug operation in August 2017.
David had also led a support group for families of victims of extrajudicial killings.
The President has earlier accused David of “stealing church offerings” and called him a “son of a whore.” /ee
READ: Bishop on Duterte allegation: Let’s bear with people who are sick
READ: My mother’s not a whore–David