Duterte not targeted by Cardinal Tagle’s ‘arrogant kings’ homily – Panelo

The Duterte administration does not feel alluded to by the warning of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle about arrogant “kings” who employed violence to assert their authority, Malacañang said on Monday.

READ: Tagle warns ‘arrogant kings’ 

“I’m sure he is referring to world leaders not from this country. I don’t think this administration feels alluded to or the leaders in this administration,” Chief Presidential Legal Salvador Panelo told reporters at the Palace.

“I think the actions of this administration speak for themselves,” he added.

In his Palm Sunday homily, Tagle slammed what he described as “kings” who are boastful and violent.

“We have not initiated violence against innocent people,” Panelo said

The Duterte administration has been criticized for its bloody war on drugs and alleged police abuses in carrying out the President’s orders against criminals and drug suspects.

“The police officer only responds to any assault on their lives in the process of arrest. And the President has always [said he] would not tolerate any police abuse,” Panelo said.

“He keeps on saying that there will be hell to pay if any violation of human rights is done by any police officer. So, I think Cardinal Tagle is referring to world leaders who are violent and cocky,” he added.