Ledesma brushes aside Digong’s ‘childish’ tirades

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent .

CAGAYAN de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma has merely brushed aside President Duterte’s most recent tirades against Roman Catholic bishops and priests because he did not want to dignify the pronouncements, a vicar general of the local archdiocese said over the weekend.

Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc said the archbishop was well aware of Duterte’s insults and threatening pronouncements against Roman Catholic leaders but he chose not to give the statements importance.

Last week, Duterte denounced the Roman Catholic Church, calling it as the most hypocritical institution in the country. He also said 90 percent of priests are homosexuals.

Stepping up his denunciation of Catholic bishops critical of his administration, he then said, “Itong mga obispo ninyo, patayin ninyo. Walang silbi iyang mga gagong iyan. All they do is criticize.”

Cabunoc said Archbishop Ledesma chose to keep silent because Duterte’s pronouncements were “childish.”

“Morag bata ba nga kon imong hatagan og attention, mag-arti na himo-on, mosamot og hilak,” Cabunoc said.

He said Duterte’s pronouncements would likely boomerang on him because “wala morespito sa iyang  pagka Presidente.”

Cabunoc said everytime Church leaders and other groups raise important issues, Duterte would respond with ad hominem arguments and non sequiturs.

“Iya hino-on nga akosahan ang mga alagad sa Simbahan nga mga bayot. Morag  nakaminus siya sa mga bayot,” said Cabunoc.