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Duterte: If I don’t believe in any god, what’s the f—ing thing about it?


Apparently unapologetic over his "stupid God" remark last week, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday invoked a freedom to choose whether or not to believe in a God.

Duterte made the remark days after he referred to a "stupid God", questioned the story of the creation and cast doubt on the concept of original sin.

He said that his earlier remark against God was made in connection with Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox's opposition to his government.

Duterte challenged critics to revisit his remarks on June 23 at an event in Davao City. A review of the speech, however, never made any reference to Fox.

"Some senators, they are taking against me the cudgels for saying your God is stupid. Totoo naman and I said that in connection with my statement against Sister Fox," Duterte said in a speech before newly elected barangay chairpersons of Northern Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City.

"Sinabi ko your God is not my God because your God is stupid. Mine has a lot of common sense," he added.

"Why do you have to talk about religion? If I choose not to believe in any god, what's the f—ing thing about it? It's the freedom to choose," Duterte said.

Duterte again questioned God and truth about the creation.

"Tell me if it's a perfect God. Luluhod ako dito. I will kneel down and stretch my hand and ask for forgiveness," Duterte said

"Tell me if it is a very poignant story of the history of mankind or if it's really a stupid one. Kaya hindi ako maniwala ng ganun. Kalokohan," he added.

Fox is facing a deportation case for allegedly participating in political activities prohibited of foreigners.

Duterte himself ordered the investigation against the 71-year-old nun for "disorderly conduct."

Duterte's remarks last week have drawn sharp criticisms, but presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the chief executive is entitled to his own belief and spirituality.

The President acknowledged that he believed in a "universal being."

"I believe in a universal being. There is somebody there more supreme than the rest of gods of men. Meron talaga niyan kasi 'pag hindi with all the billions and trillions of stars kung walang nagko-kontrol niyan sumabog na tayo lahat," Duterte said.

The President, in a speech on April 18, said he and Fox did not share the same God.

"You do not have any authority more than mine. My God has common sense. Your God does not have it," he then said. —NB, GMA News

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