Blasphemous, Manila bishop says of Duterte remarks vs. God

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Monday deemed as "blasphemous" President Rodrigo Duterte's strong tirades against God and the story of creation in the Bible.

In a Balita Pilipinas report, Pabillo also said the President's criticisms were just diversionary tactics to cover up for the "weaknesses" of the Duterte administration, including the issue about China.

On Friday, Duterte criticized the creation story in the Bible which says that the snake tempted Eve to eat the forbidden apple, then she in turn gave it to Adam. He said he could not comprehend why God would create something perfect, but later destroy it.

Duterte also called God as "stupid."

Duterte's remarks has drawn sharp criticisms, but presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Chief Executive is entitled to his own spirituality.

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) also denounced Duterte's remarks, saying that it was "completely inappropriate" for the Chief Executive to curse God and the Christian faith.

Officials of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will meet next week to tackle the issue, according to Pabillo. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News