CBCP sees ‘honeymoon’ with DU30; but Digong is ‘cold’ to the Left

UNDER a new leadership, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it is hoping to have “smoother” relations with President Duterte.

We’re not asking for the moon but “Yes!” to a CBCP-DU30 constructive “Honeymoon.”

*** But President Duterte said he was no longer inclined to resume the stalled peace talks with the Left because of continual attacks on businesses.

And I’ll do what is right after being tagged as “corrupt, fascist, murderer “by the Left, he said.

*** CBCP Public Affairs Committee Executive Secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano said they are expecting a more cordial interaction with Malacañang once Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles assumes the CBCP leadership on December 1, 2017.

Valles enjoyed close ties with Duterte when the latter was still the mayor of Davao City, Secillano disclosed. ***

“We are hoping for a smooth relationship. President Duterte’s friendship with Archbishop Valles may play a part in it,” Secillano said.

“What are friends for?” as the saying.

*** However, Secillano stressed the friendship will not affect CBCP’s opposition to several controversial issues.

“We have to remember though that a change in CBCP leadership doesn’t mean a change in stand on issues such as EJK (extra-judicial killings), same-sex marriage, divorce, or death penalty,” Secillano said.

*** “What may change perhaps is the approach, tone, and strategy in tackling those issues,” he explained.

Here comes an opening, folks…

*** Valles, CBCP vice president, will succeed CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas and will have a term to end on Nov. 30, 2019.

If it materializes, a two-year honeymoon could bring “miracle babies.”

During Villegas’ term,the CBCP criticized the Duterte administration because of mounting fatalities in its war against illegal drugs, prompting Digong to hurl tirades against Church officials.

Hurling stones instead of “Ostiya” and prayers achieved nothing. No more of it!

*** Duterte also hit out at Communist rebels for extorting and attacking businesses that provide work.

“Then they say that they fight for the people?,” he asked.

*** “I will remove them from the category of a legal entity or at least as semi-movement which would merit our attention, placing them, like in America, as terrorists,” Duterte threatened.

“I would consider them criminals already, “the Punisher added.

*** However, Duterte reiterated his offer of jobs and housing to NPA rebels if they surrender.

Punishment on the left, reward on the right, DU30-style. Let’s keep watching – interesting times!