MANILA, Philippines — “God” has responded to President Duterte’s challenge to prove the existence of the Almighty via Twitter.
But it was not the selfie with God that Duterte wanted as proof when he spoke before scientists in Davao City on Friday. Instead, the parody account @TheTweetofGod said the cussing President could resign now that God has responded.
“Here I am. Now go, bastard,” the tweet read.
The Twitter account was created by David Javerbaum, an award-winning writer, and producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Daily Show with James Corden. The Twitter account has over five million followers.
Speaking before more than 1,000 participants at the 2018 National Science Technology Week celebration held at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier on Friday night, Duterte said he never said he does not believe in God.
He, however, said he continues to grapple with the question why there was suffering despite the existence of God, adding that he would step down from office if someone is able to talk to God in heaven and have a selfie with Him.
“You do that today, one single witness that there is a guy, a human being, who’s able to talk and to see God. Of the so many billions that passed through Earth, I just need one. And if there is one, ladies and gentlemen, I will announce my resignation immediately,” he said.
‘Distraction’
Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, an ally of Duterte, said he understands why his partymate has been ranting about God, apparently because of an ugly experience with a priest when he was still a young man.
However, it would be better if Duterte would lessen his controversial comments which only distract his administration and Filipinos from focusing on the urgent problems of the nation, he said.
He said it would not be good for the government if Duterte begins to lose “goodwill” among Filipinos if he keeps on going on the same track.
“It would be a waste, because there will be no end to debates. Let the state now concentrate on state concerns. Since that incident has been mentioned, we should now focus on state concerns,” Pimentel told dzBB.
Opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said he has “no doubt that Duterte is an anti-Christ.”
“More than this numerous anti-God and anti-Church statements, Duterte has been promoting a culture of killing, violence, hatred, misogyny and indecency among our people. In other words, everything that was taught to us growing up as Christians or as Filipinos is being undone by Duterte’s evil ways,” Trillanes said.