Filipino resiliency due to strong faith in God – Duterte
Despite his attacks and mockery of the Catholic faith, President Duterte said the resiliency of the Filipinos can be attributed to the people's strong faith in God.
"Our strong faith in God has contributed to our resiliency as a nation, especially during trying times," the President said in his Lenten message released on Good Friday.
"Important occasions in our communities are usually anchored in our religious traditions, especially during this Lenten Season," he added.
Duterte also hoped that the Holy Week would be an opportunity for people to pray and reflect, and be inspired to help the less fortunate.
"May this blessed occasion be an opportunity for prayer and reflection as we strive to uphold what is good and just," he said.
"Let the spirit of this commemoration inspire us to rekindle our commitment to serve our people, especially those who are most in need," he added.
"I trust that the virtues of faith, hope, and charity will continue to drive all our efforts in nation-building. With guidance from Christ's sacrifice, let us work towards the attainment of our noble aspirations for the nation," he continued.
Malacañang had declared April 18 and 19 (Maundy Thursday and Good
Friday) as special non-working days. Duterte, who is spending the Lenten break in Davao City, will still be available in case he is needed, according to the Palace.
Early this year, Duterte said that he was ready to get crucified this coming Holy Week if Catholic bishops can disprove allegations of corruption and abuse contained in a book.
"Kung masagot nila ito, at sabihin nila may isang bagay dito na mali, abangan ninyo ang Holy Week. Dito ako magpalansang sa krus sa Bulacan pero huwag naman matagal (If they respond and say there is one thing in the book that is wrong, wait for Holy Week. I’m prepared to be nailed to a cross in Bulacan but not for a long time)," he said.
"Siguro mga 30 minutos ka naka … kaya ko naman ‘yan. Walang yabang (Maybe I can do it for 30 minutes. I can do it. No boasting)," he added.
Duterte has repeatedly attacked the Catholic Church for criticizing his administration. Duterte has raised issues of corruption, homosexuality, and sexual abuse in the religious organization.
The President also once said that drug addicts and street idlers should rob the men of the cloth because they are rich. After learning that they have received death threats since then, Duterte clarified that his remarks were just a joke and that members of the clergy should not be harmed.