Opposition bloc wishes spiritual change for Duterte

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives are hoping that the Easter spirit will bring change to President Duterte.

"Magnificent Seven" members Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin and Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said Duterte, who made "Change is coming" his campaign slogan, needed change himself.

"As we celebrate Easter, let us be reminded that the risen Lord trumped hate with love," Villarin said on Sunday.

"May President Duterte preach love, abstain from using the language of violence, and embrace diversity in views including criticisms," added Villarin.

The Magnificent Seven had been severe critics of the President’s caustic and curse-laden language.

"[Although] Duterte doesn't seem to believe in Christianity, I pray that he soon personally encounter God in his life," Alejano said.

"And when that happens he won't escape the grace and the love of God," he reckoned.

Alejano filed the first impeachment complaint against President, citing culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, bribery, graft and high crimes.

He has since filed a supplemental complaint, although the House won't be holding sessions until May 2.

Earlier this week, the de facto leader of the opposition bloc, Ifugao lone district Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., wished for Duterte to have a real conversation with God.

"I am really hoping that he gets in touch with his faith and listen to that inner voice for divine wisdom," Baguilat, who belongs to the Liberal Party (LP), said.

He said the former Davao City mayor should "have an honest to goodness conversation with God that won't turn out to be a joke."

Last October, Duterte had claimed having talked to God during a plane flight from Japan.

He said God made him promise to stop cursing. In exchange, God would ensure that his plane will not crash.

A week later, the President labeled the whole thing as a joke and said those who believed him were "fools."