‘Dirty Rody’ to donate P1,000 for each ‘PI’

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Known for his use of profanity, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday vowed to tone it down.

“I am regulating myself and I will donate P1,000 to the Caritas Davao Foundation every time I would swear,” Duterte said.

Keeping true to his promise, he gave P2,000 to the foundation for swearing twice during a meeting with Davao clergy.

Duterte came under fire for cussing Pope Francis in a speech at the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban’s proclamation of its presidential candidate earlier this week. The mayor said the expletive was directed not at the pontiff but the government. 

A chastised Duterte met with Davao City Archbishop Romulo Valles and sought forgiveness for his foul remarks that reaped strong criticism from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

“I was admonished and lectured on Christian values and in return, I told them that  I would lessen my use of cuss words,” Duterte said. 

“I am also planning to visit the Vatican soon. It was a good meeting and I would like to thank my friends in the church for their time,” he said. 

Duterte, accompanied by his executive assistant Christopher Go, visited Valles at the Archbishop’s Residence here located along Torres Street. He also met with Bishop George Rimando and Monsignor Paul Cuison. 

The meeting called by Valles lasted for two hours.

Duterte said that while he may be involved in some fights, when he is called by bishops for a meeting he cannot do anything but follow.

While he appears tough on the outside, Duterte stressed that he has strong faith in God and that is why he remains a Catholic. – Edith Regalado