De Lima hits Duterte after latest tirades vs Catholic Church

Updated (6:45 p.m.)

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima denounced President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday after his fresh tirades against the Catholic Church which he had blamed for the country’s growing population, among others.

“Patuloy nyang ginagawa ito dahil tayong mga Katoliko, kasama na ang Pamunuan ng Simbahan, ay hindi umaalma sa kanya,” De Lima said in a dispatch from Camp Crame where she is being detained on drug charges.

“This demonic President has been trying to destroy and divide the Catholic Church, just as he keeps on eroding our cherished values as a nation. He must be stopped!” she added.

In an interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Friday, June 7, the Chief Executive, known for repeatedly criticizing the Catholic faith and its men, ranted about the problems the country faces, including its growing population, which is at 108 million. Duterte blamed the Catholic Church’s opposition to artificial contraception.

“Kasi hindi man talaga natin alam kung ilan ang mag-enroll ang problema. And we are the fastest — ang population. And I squarely blame the Catholic Church. Sila lang nagpipigil ng mga — ‘yung birth — family planning. Kaya pinigilan nila ‘yan eh. They think that just spewing out human beings by the millions every year is a gift from God and promoting…” Duterte said.

“You know, if you look at the figures of the population growth all throughout the world, the Philippines is a baby machine. And you are forced to even believe that wala na ginawa ang Pilipino kung hindi mag-rapapap,” he added.

Duterte also cited how he considers national hero Jose Rizal as a “god” because he stood against the Church.

“Ang tingin ko kay Rizal, talagang god (, he’s my hero. And others also, Filipinos who died for the [country]…” he said.

“Rizal stood against the Roman Catholic Church. He died for our country, he was shot. And then these Filipinos will go to church and kneel down,” he added.

The President also said he has no plans to celebrate 500 years of Christianity as the religion brought imperialism to the country and subjugated the people.

“Five hundred years of Christianity ngayon tanong sila… Anong plano? Wala akong plano. Why should I celebrate the coming of imperialism to my country?” Duterte said.

“They brought religion, fine. But you didn’t have to subjugate my country and made my fellow brothers and sisters under the yoke of imperialism for four hundred years. Kaya ‘yan, kita mo. They’re being treated as basura,” he continued. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)