MANILA, Philippines - The resurrection of Christ should remind Filipinos that they deserve deliverance from drugs, criminality and corruption, President Duterte said in his Easter Sunday message.
“The story of the Risen Christ on Easter Sunday is a message of perseverance and faith in the grief of Black Saturday. Christ’s resurrection should inspire us to achieve our collective aspirations through our unwavering devotion,” Duterte, known for his disdain for the Catholic Church, said from Qatar on the third leg of his Middle East visits, after Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
“May this occasion be a reminder to Filipinos that our country deserves salvation from drugs, criminality and corruption that have long plagued this nation and that our people will rise and triumph over society’s ills,” he said.
The Chief Executive reiterated his drug campaign – heavily criticized in the country and abroad for human rights violations – can usher the nation to inclusive development.
From Qatar, Duerte said he joins the rest of the Christian world in celebrating the “fulfillment of Resurrection three days after the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross.”
“Let the promise of Easter be our guide as we build a progressive, inclusive and independent nation – where government and people work together to attain peace, justice and security for all,” Duterte added.