PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte’s men have defended him for his “stupid God” remark, the latest in a string of controversial utterances relating to religion and the Catholic church.
“That is his personal belief. Individuals are entitled to their personal beliefs. That’s the aspect of the freedom of religion,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro City.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo, in a statement, explained: “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.”
Mr. Panelo pointed out that “there are many theories in creation as there are religions.”
“Even Darwin has his own theory of creation. The President cannot be divested of his right to express his opinion on matters of religion, politics and matters he deems fit to express upon, a constitutional right given to every citizen, just because he is the President. He has as much right to the freedom of speech and of expression constitutionally guaranteed the ordinary person,” he added.
The official stressed that the President is “not blaspheming God.”
“How can an act of meaningful introspection and search for truth in religious tenets be characterized as an act of irreverence or sacrilege? The President is simply posing an honest question as regards the logic or rationale behind the theory of creation.”
RAMBLINGS
Meanwhile, another senator has reacted to the controversy saying such pronouncement “is completely unproductive and unnecessary.”
“It doesn’t contribute anything to policy-making and implementation. It does not really address any important issues. It doesn’t contribute in making the lives of Filipinos better. It doesn’t even add anything to philosophical discourse… As a woman of faith myself, I understand the anger of many among us. President Duterte’s latest comment does nothing to bring the Filipino people together. They only divide us even further,” Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said.
“However, I appeal to the public to remain vigilant and not lose sight of the important issues that need addressing. Let us not allow President Duterte to distract us with his irrational stream-of-consciousness ramblings,” the lawmaker said. — Arjay L. Balinbin with a report from Camille A. Aguinaldo

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