Pacquiao, Enrile defend Duterte’s attacks vs Church 

President Rodrigo Duterte. (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — For some, President Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades against the Catholic Church could be alarming but Senator Manny Pacquiao and former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile both have a different view.

Pacquiao said Duterte has the right to give his strong opinion against the Church, noting that the President’s childhood may have an effect on his behavior.

“Mahirap magbigay ng comment like I said may karapatan sya kasi may experience sya nung bata pa sya. Hindi tayo nakakaalam kung ano experience nya nung bata siya, “ Pacquiao told local radio station DWIZ.

Duterte has been throwing verbal attacks against the Church in his speeches by calling God, “stupid” and tagging the Catholic Church as “full of shit.”

Last week, the 73-year-old leader threatened to kill bishops, calling them “useless.”

READ: Another joke? Duterte says Catholic bishops useless…kill them

Pacquiao then said it was difficult to comment on President’s attacks, saying Filipinos should just read the Bible every day.

“Baka hindi natin alam malalim pinagdaan niya. Mahirap magbigay ng comment. Sa kabila ng lahat, I will just encourage the Filipino people to read the Bible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Enrile said Duterte’s attacks could be a “growing frustration,” noting that we have different opinions on God and the Church.

“Meron tayong kanya kanyang opinyon. Iba iba ang paniniwala natin sa Panginoon. Pabayaan na natin sa presidente ‘yan. ‘Yan ay isang expression of a growing frustration sa nangyayari,” he said in a separate interview with DWIZ.

Enrile also questioned the Church, saying problems in society still exists despite efforts on praying.

“Sa tagal ng ating simbahan dito sa mundo natin bilang mga Kristiyano, bakit ganito pa rin ang ating lipunan na kagulo?” he said. “Tuwing linggo, tuwing sabado, kung nagdadasal tayo [para sa] paniniwala sa Panginoon, bakit hindi tumatalab?” /jpv