500 years of Christianity in PH: Duterte may yet get invite

CEBU CITY—An invitation to be at the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021 may yet find its way on President Rodrigo Duterte’s table despite his public rant against attending the historical event.

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said Duterte may still get an invite out of courtesy.

“In everything, it is good to be courteous,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 13, yet.

Valles, who is close to Duterte, said Church officials may send the invitation once schedules are fixed.

Duterte had minced no words in rejecting support for ceremonies marking five centuries of Christianity in the country, saying it was just a commemoration of Spanish colonization of the Philippines for 300 years.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he hoped the President would change his mind.

“It’s still a long way to go,” Palma said.

Palma, though, said Duterte would be just one person not supporting the event.

“There are more people who want to celebrate,” he said.

Palma said while Duterte may be “an important person” his opinion about the event would have no effect on whether it pushes through.

“How can you stop 500 years of Christianity?” Palma said. “Nobody can stop the celebration,” he added./Edited by TSB