MANILA, Philippines – After cursing at the pontiff on Monday, Davao City mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte believes Pope Francis will understand his remarks as the Pope is compassionate.
Duterte was slammed by several Catholics as he cussed out the well-loved Pope when he narrated his ordeal during the papal visit when several roads were closed. He said he was stuck in five-hour traffic during the visit which prompted him to later on curse the Pope.
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"Compassionate si Pope. Maiintindihan niya ako. Kayo man maihi sa loob ng sasakyan, matutuwa ba kayo?" Duterte said.
The tough-talking mayor was sharing his anecdote when he cussed in his speech after he was proclaimed the presidential candidate of Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino –Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Reports said Duterte will not apologize for his remarks as it was not intended to assault the Pope. The mayor said his remark was an expression of his exasperation and anger toward the government for causing disruption and hardships to people in their management of the papal visit.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, defended the mayor’s action and said it was not intended to hit the Pope.
"I think he was not referring to the Pope kasi I have heard him talk about that many times. He was talking about you should not close streets and inconvenience people for anyone in the world. But the way kasi he speaks about and shows frustrations kasi," Cayetano said.
Duterte is known for using vulgar words and expletives in his speeches as a form or joke or expression of anger.