MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte will have a "one-on-one dialogue" with the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Malacañang said Saturday.

Duterte will meet with CBCP President and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles as agreed during a meeting between Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Papal Nuncio in the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia on Friday.

"It was agreed that both State and Church should work together for the benefit of the people," Roque said in a statement.

It is not clear yet when Duterte and Valles, known to be friends with the President's family, will speak.

The planned meeting comes after the President recently drew criticism from several Catholic bishops and other Christian groups after he called God "stupid” as he spoke about the creation story in the Bible.

• Duterte asks: 'Who is this stupid God?'
• ‘Totoo naman’: Duterte defends ‘stupid God’ remark

Following the President's remarks, Valles urged Catholics to "remain steadfast in faith" and to "reflect on our long-held beliefs."

"Let peace rule in our hearts in spite of it all. If we have this in our hearts, we will love and respect others," Valles said.

• CBCP president urges Catholics to 'protect your faith' after Duterte tirade vs God

Duterte skipped Friday's celebration of Pope’s Day and sent representatives instead.