CBCP head Romulo Valles defends Caloocan bishop vs Duterte tirades

MANILA, Philippines — Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles broke his silence yesterday and defended Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David amid tirades from President Duterte, the CBCP head’s personal friend.

Duterte, who has been hitting the Catholic Church for criticizing some of his policies, including the bloody drug war, recently accused David of stealing offerings to give them to his family and possible involvement in illegal drugs. 

“Many, including myself, are saddened and disturbed by the recent statements made against Bishop (David),” Valles said.

“Very many of us bishops have come to know Bishop David as a very good bishop, a dedicated shepherd and father of his flock in the Diocese of (Caloocan),” Valles added.

Valles said David’s integrity could not be questioned as he noted how passionate the Caloocan bishop is in his ministry.

Valles noted David has been “bringing ‘mercy and compassion,’ especially to the poor and suffering among his people.”

David, current vice president of the CBCP and a member as an auxiliary bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga since 2006, is well-known among his fellow prelates.  

The CBCP president called on the faithful to offer prayers for David. “Let us pray in a special way for Bishop David, that the Lord grant him more strength, as well as calmness and peace in this difficult situation.”

David has denied the allegations of the President and has answered all of them “clearly and equally,” Valles said.

Valles is known to be a good friend of Duterte, who also hails from Davao City and served as its mayor for several years.