Though we were warned by his daughter, Inday Sarah, not to listen him attempt to preach his own version of the Bible, it is important that we, both Filipino citizens and mostly Christians, take note of the important points (in matters of spiritual and national concern) that the president always pontificates on. There are issues touching both the State and the Church. We should closely study these points to remain good citizens and, at the same time, good Catholics.
First, of all, the president believes in One Supreme Being. And all other false gods he calls stupid. He may call God as the Universal and Eternal Consciousness, but nonetheless, he acknowledges there is a Creator of all things visible and invisible. Many times, he is seen and photographed kneeling down, especially in front of his parents' tombs. He was reared by Manang Soling, a devoted catholic, although she had Maranaw blood. His father Vicente, a lawyer, former Davao governor and Marcos' Cabinet member, was a devoted Catholic. President Duterte is not a fanatic though. He does not practice the many rituals the deeply religious often do. But he fervently believes the good shall be rewarded and evil shall be punished.
Although, he may not believe in the infallibility of the Pope or the importance of confession, it is not because he wants to disrespect the priests, bishops, and consecrated persons. It is because he has personal knowledge of the many imperfections of the members of the clergy. He read the book that exposed the lurid details of priestly worldliness. But while he has a lot of bad words against bishops, priests, and other religious persons, I believe he has an abiding faith in, and respect for, God. To me, he is far from religious but he is not an anti-Christ. The president does not worship saints or say memorized prayers. But he certainly believes prayers have results. He prays directly to God and seems not to believe in the need for intercession.
The scheduled meeting between Duterte and CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles is a vital step that is going to be made tomorrow. Duterte is expected to request his old friend to tell his fellow bishops, especially Socrates Villegas and Oscar Cruz, to stick being pastors of the church and not interfere with state affairs. In the same manner, Duterte will assure Valles he will try to restrain himself from openly attacking the Church. We hope that the two shall succeed in forging a "modus vivendi" between the State and the Church. They should keep in mind that their respective constituencies are almost exactly the same. They should mutually agree that Filipinos should render to the state what properly appertains to the state, and to the Church what truly belongs to the church.
Of course, that is easier said than done. What matters most is they will have a dialogue. That will certainly ease the tensions and be a start on the road to peace anchored on mutual respect. The Church should stop lecturing the State and the State should respect the Church in its mission to bring the good news to the people.