CBCP defends David amid Duterte ire

The Catholic hierarchy has come to the defense of a bishop whom President Rodrigo Duterte accused of drug involvement and pocketing church donations.

In a statement released Thursday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines vouched for the integrity of Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan who has recently been the subject of Duterte’s ire.

Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, CBCP President, said that they are “saddened” and “disturbed” over the allegations that questions David’s integrity.

“Many of us bishops have come to know Bp. David as a very good bishop, a dedicated shepherd and father of the flock in the Diocese of Kalookan,” Valles said.

“He is very passionate in his ministry, bringing ‘mercy and compassion,’ especially to the poor and suffering among his people,” he said.

At a public event last week, Duterte accused David, a vocal critic of his ruthless campaign against illegal drugs, of stealing church donations to give it to his family.

In another event on Monday, the President hinted that the bishop might be into drugs.

David, the CBCP Vice President, has denied the allegations, even asked the faithful to just bear with the “sick” chief executive.

Valles encouraged the faithful to continue praying for David as he continue to perform his ministry.

“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,” he said.