MANILA, Philippines — Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President Romulo Valles has vouched for the integrity of Caloocan Bishop Virgilio David following the accusations of President Rodrigo Duterte against him.
The president has accused the Caloocan prelate of stealing church offerings and being involved in illegal drugs, which David already denied.
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Valles said that many have been saddened and disturbed by Duterte's allegations that David had committed actions that question his integrity.
"Very many of us bishops have come to know Bp. David as a very good bishop, a dedicated shepherd and father of his flock in the Diocese of Kaloocan," Valles said in a statement.
READ: CBCP issues statement in support of Bishop Pablo Virgilio David. #cbcpnews pic.twitter.com/7wfo2PPwjL
— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) November 29, 2018
"He is very passionate in his ministry, bringing 'mercy and compassion,' especially to the poor and suffering among his people," the CBCP head added.
Duterte's latest accusation against David happened earlier this week in Davao City when he also rehashed his accusations against the Catholic Church of making money out of baptisms, burials and masses.
"I’m telling you, David. Nagdududa nga ako bakit sige ikot ‘yan ng gabi. Nagduda tuloy ako p***** i** nasa droga ka (I am puzzled as to why you always go out at night. I suspect, son of a b****, you are into illegal drugs)," Duterte said.
David was quick to deny the unsubstantiated accusation, pointing out that he does not even take maintenance drugs yet.
"Into drugs? No sir, I'm not into drugs of any sort, whether egal or illegal. Never been. I only help in rehabilitating people addicted to drugs," David said in a Facebook post. — Patricia Lourdes Viray