Duterte does not feel alluded to in archbishop’s ‘bully’ message

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON Salvador S. Panelo on Tuesday said the President did not feel alluded to by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle when the latter delivered a message during the first Simbang Gabi saying that those in power should not bully anyone. “No. Because he (the President) doesn’t bully people. He expresses his sentiment on a particular matter, situation. He expresses dislike, and he explains it. He threatens criminals, yes… to make them feel threatened and stop doing their criminal acts,” Mr. Panelo said. “If the message is in the generic or general term, then I agree. You cannot be using power to bully or to coerce people. The President is against that too,” he added. Mr. Panel further said that “those in power would also apply to those in the Church who use the pulpit for bullying people.” — Arjay L. Balinbin