Rodrigo Duterte: “I believe in God, but not in Religion”
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said that he believe in God, but not in religion. He also accused the Catholic Church of selectively following their apparent separation from the state.
In an exclusive interview with GMA News anchor Jessica Soho, the outgoing Davao City Mayor was quoted saying: “For the record, I believe in God, but I do not believe in religions. Period. And the most hypocritical institutions in the Philippines, guess who?”
According to Duterte he didn’t mind if the church will intervene on moral issue. However, he doubted if the bishops really believe in the concept.
“I do not begrudge if the bishops would stick to it. But it is really a separation and they would have to go out if the issue becomes a moral one or if it becomes an interest… Pero kayo bishops, I would like to ask you, kayo ba ay naniniwala sa separation of Church and state?” he asked.
The Mayor also recalled the incident in 2009 when Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos asked the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a car on his birthday.
Bishop Pueblos received a brand-new SUV from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) after he requested a car from Arroyo that will serve as her birthday present.
Duterte also recalled the experience when he was allegedly violated by a priest when he was a student in 1995.
Meanwhile, Duterte will assume the presidency starting on June 30. A simple inauguration will also be held on that day.