Duterte accuses prelate of using Church donations for personal use | ABS-CBN

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Duterte accuses prelate of using Church donations for personal use

Duterte accuses prelate of using Church donations for personal use

Dharel Placido,

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday accused a prelate of stealing Church donations and bringing them to his family, in yet another attack at the Catholic institution.

The President said a certain Bishop “David” would take away Church donations for his personal use.

“Alam mo sa totoo lang, sabihin ko sa inyo, iyong mga offerings, iyong mga pinya, avocado, saging, saan napupunta 'yan? Gusto niyong malaman? Gusto niyo ng video? Ibigay ko sa inyo. Doon sa pamilya niya,” Duterte said in a speech in Tanza, Cavite during the inauguration of the Cavite Gateway Terminal, the country’s first and only barge port.

(You know, the truth is, I tell you, the offerings, the pineapple, avocado, bananas, where do they go? You want to know? You want a video? I will show you. [They go] To his family.)

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“Ikaw, David, tumahimik ka ha. Sige ka lang hingi ng contribution diyan sa mga… Saan ang pera ng mga tao? Ang g*** sige lang hingi, may second collection pa,” said the President, referring to the collection of offerings at mass.

(You, David, you be quiet. You go on asking for contributions... Where do the people's money go? The fool just keeps on asking, there is even a second collection.)

The President did not identify who "David" was. One of his most vocal critics, however, bears the name: Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.

In his speech, Duterte also said he does not believe in the concept of hell, where unrepentant sinners are sent under Christian teachings.

He then said he and some priests are no different since members of the clergy also have wives and children, a practice that is prohibited in the religion.

“Bakit discrimination? Ibig sabihin mo lang kasi nakapag-aral --- nakapag-asawa ka na o dalawa. Ibig mong sabihin hindi mo na ako papasukin kasi dalawa ang asawa ko, iyon lang isa? Eh ‘di ang mga papasok doon… eh ‘yung mga pari may mga anak pati obispo, tabla,” Duterte said.

(Why discrimination? Does it mean because you are educated, you marry one or two... You mean I cannot go to heaven because because I have two wives? Only those with one wife can go? Then those who can go there... Even priests have children, even bishops... It's fair game.)

“Kaya stop this practice of… Dapat makapag-asawa na kayo at humabol kayo sa akin. Naka dalawang asawa ako pati apat na girlfriend. That is why I am suffering now,” he said in jest.

(So stop this practice of... You should all be allowed to marry and follow my example. I have married twice and I have four girlfriends. That is why I am suffering now.)

Duterte routinely attacks the Church and its teachings. Earlier this year, he drew flak after calling God “stupid.”

He held a dialogue with church leaders after his rant.

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