Palace distances self from Saycon's comment about Church destab plot

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday distanced itself from comments by Boy Saycon, a member of the panel appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to dialogue with the Catholic Church, that it could be behind efforts to destabilize the government and oust the chief executive.

In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that there were not such destabilization efforts being planned by the Catholic Church, which has been critical of Duterte's actions and policies.

He said that he was unaware where Saycon, whom he described as a "newbie" in government, got his information on the supposed plot.

When asked if the palace had the same suspicions, Roque said, "No, no. In the first place, the president is secure with his faith. The church is secure with its mission in the nation. We just want the two institutions to serve our society better."

"He did not talk to the media in my presence. I don't know where got the information," he added.

This week, Duterte formed a committee that would hold dialogues with churches to thresh out the differences they had with the government.

Saycon, Roque and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella are the members of this panel. Earlier, Roque announced that Duterte has appointed Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr., a former priest, as the fourth member of the panel formed to dialogue with the Catholic Church and other religious groups

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Saycon said that the Catholic Church could be used to destabilize the Duterte administration.

Saycon, who Roque said was chosen because of his extensive network within the Catholic Church, said that it had "radical members."

He clarified though that in general the leadership of the Church did not meddle in such issues.

Saycon doubled down on his comments and told GMA News that the destabilization plot against Duterte was real.

Roque said Saycon should be "more careful" about his statements, adding that he will brief him about the communication protocols the Office of the Spokesperson observes in relaying information to the media and the public.

"I'll have to tell him to be more careful about what he says to the public and the media, and there are vetting processes before we're able to say anything to the media," the presidential spokesperson said.

Roque also welcomed the statement of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urging Catholics to "be at peace" despite Duterte's rants about God.

"We welcome the statement of Cardinal Tagle urging Catholics to respect the beliefs of other religions including atheists," he said, adding that Filipinos should respect the beliefs of one another.

Roque, however, failed to mention that Duterte had failed to respect others' beliefs by issuing attacks on the God of the Catholics and called him "stupid" for the Christian creation story.

Duterte also questioned the Lord's Supper and falsely claimed some saints were there.