Now it's Abaya's turn to meet the ombudsman

Apparently the talk of President Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte about God being stupid has not died down or perhaps the media is merely keeping this story in the headlines as so many people especially Catholics show their displeasure against Duterte for blaspheming God. But yesterday, Duterte clarified what he meant when he said: "Don't talk to me about your religion. Your God is stupid, My God is perfect."

So the question is, which god did Duterte blaspheme if he says that his god is perfect? Which god is an idiot? Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo clarified this report when he said: "The president is being criticized for calling God stupid. He didn't call God stupid. What he said was the theory of creation as expounded by the writers of the Bible is a stupid proposition. In other words, he is questioning the logic behind the theory of creation as advanced by the theologians. There are many theories in creation as there are religions."

I have always thought Duterte questioned the creation story in Genesis, asking questions that can't be changed no matter what. In the end, he doesn't believe that the Christian doctrine that was presented to the world 4,000 years ago. So what, do you think Duterte can change it? I don't think so.

As I pointed in my past columns, every now and then Duterte attacks a priest or bishop when he thinks members of the clergy tell unbelievable stories. So in the end, let's leave it at that. No matter how smart or bright you are when it comes to the Christian faith, there are still so many questions that remain unanswered and the only way for you to know them fully happens only at the end of your life, then you will finally know what heaven or hell is like by your lonesome.

There are people who condemn Duterte for blaspheming God. Some even demanded an apology. But is this what God really wants from us who worship him? Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to love those who hate and persecute us. Christianity as our Lord taught us very clearly is not an easy religion to follow, which is why we have the sacrament of confession to help cleanse our sins and be acceptable to God. As for Duterte, He is not beyond God and God will turn him in his time.

***

In another issue, Duterte issued a remark that the country's economy is "in the doldrums." So presidential spokesman Harry Roque had to clarify what he meant. Roque pointed out that the chief executive was just emphasizing the need to fast-track the implementation of the "Build, build, build" infrastructure program. Doldrums refers to being in a state of inactivity or stagnation.

The reality is simple; areas that do not have urban centers or cities can be dull, especially those areas without any tourism destinations. Hence the local government units that control those areas must work harder to make their localities pleasant to tourists.

Just think of it, slowly as reality set in, just after two years of the Duterte administration, many top Cabinet officers of the Aquino Regime have been brought to task by the Office of the Ombudsman for various offenses. This did not spare former president Benigno "Pnoy" Aquino who, with his Health secretary Garin, was charged for the Dengvaxia incident. Aquino also has a case against the families of the 44 Special Action Force troopers killed in the Mamasapano operation that happened on his mother's birth anniversary.

Then we got the news that the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of a graft case against former Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and 16 others in connection with the P4.25-billion contract awarded to Busan Universal Rail Inc. for the upgrade and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3.

This case was only approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales last June 21 citing that she found probable cause to charge the former Transportation secretary and 16 others for violation of Section 3 of RepublicAct. No.3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

However, the ombudsman dismissed the plunder complaint against Abaya and his predecessor Mar Roxas "for lack of probable cause." Let's if this case will bring justice or not!