Gag order? Catholic bishops 'silent' despite tirades, says Duterte

Is there an order for Catholic bishops not to speak out against President Duterte?

Speaking during the celebration of the 120-year presence of the Baptist Churches in the Philippines Thursday, the President appeared to suggest there is an order for Roman Catholic bishops to remain silent despite his attacks against them.

He recalled the time when he cursed at Pope Francis as he was stuck in traffic during the Pontiff's January 2015 visit in Manila.

"Maybe it's good to ***** the bishops," he said in his speech.

"I cannot tell you why but they are now ordered to... There’s an… I cannot --- it’s supposed to be in confidence. Pero you'd notice they are no longer complaining. Even if you say b******, they don't respond anymore. That is --- that is how to win the war against the Catholic Church. All you have to say, p*******. Panalo ka na."

The Chief Executive has constantly gone on a verbal tirade against clergymen who have been critical of his anti-drug campaign. In 2018, he said bishops are better off dead - a supposed joke which he later retracted.

ANC, January 17, 2020