Praise from bishops falls like manna for Duterte

LIKE manna from heaven, rare praise for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte fell from the lips of some Catholic bishops who lauded him for his decision to hold simple inauguration rites in Malacañang.

In an interview over Churchrun Radio Veritas, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said: “I am happy about the simple inauguration. We need to be simple even in our way of life. Simplicity [is] an important value that we have to promote.”

Ongtioco said simplicity was one of the characteristics of a great leader.

“Simplicity, an important value that we have to promote. Learning how to live simply is a nice culture [trait] of Filipinos and it fosters solidarity with the poor,” he added.

Bishop Antonio Maralit of Boac, Marinduque, said that by his simplicity Duterte was setting a good example for others.

He called this a good start and said it sent a concrete message of genuine change for the country.

He appealed to the faithful to pray for Duterte and the other new leaders in government that they may fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the country and people.

Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa-Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo also commended Duterte for his simple inauguration plans, saying it was only appropriate that Duterte and the other officials avoid an extravagant inauguration as a symbol of solidarity and respect for the poor.

Punish corrupt officials

Arigo said he hoped that with Duterte as president, corruption would be diminished, if not totally eradicated, and corrupt officials would be held accountable and punished for their crimes.

Duterte’s transition team earlier said his inauguration would be short and simple with only around 600 guests invited.

Breaking with several inauguration traditions, it will be held in Malacañang’s Rizal Ceremonial Hall instead of the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park in order to avoid causing traffic jams and inconvenience to the people.