MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said “tambays” or bystanders should kill or steal from “rich” bishops, stepping up his rhetoric against Catholic Church leaders.

“Kayong mga tambay diyan, ‘pag dumaan ‘yang obispo ninyo holdapa ‘yan maraming pera ‘yan p***** i** niya.” [laughter] Patayin mo. Galit sa akin ‘yung sigeng yawyaw,” Duterte said in a speech during the birthday celebration of Masbate Governor Antonio Kho.

Duterte has claimed that a priest supposedly wished for his death, which is why he is railing against members of the clergy.

The President takes great offense at the criticisms of Catholic Church leaders, warning the clergy not to use the pulpit in discrediting him.

“Tapos ngayon kung mamatay daw ako nag-holy mass ha, sacrament of mass. Nagdasal pa na mamatay ako. Sabi ko, ‘Patayin mo ‘yan lahat obispo diyan. Mga inutil ‘yan.’ Totoo,” he said.

Ironically, Duterte has ordered the police to round up bystanders, saying they are potential criminals.

Last December, Duterte also said bishops are better off dead for being useless.

• 'Patayin ninyo': Duterte says bishops better off dead