i Balita December 09, 2018 (Photo From Web. No Copyright Infringement Intended)
Monsignor Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), expressed dismay over President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest remark about priests.
Duterte, in his speech during an event in Malacañang on Wednesday, Dec. 5, claimed that almost 90 percent of Catholic priests are homosexuals.
“No offense intended, I have so many relatives who are gay. I have two brothers-in-law who are gay, but most of the priests there are homosexuals. Almost 90 percent of you, so do not postulate on immorality,” he said.
Oso called the statement “reckless and irresponsible.”
He said the President should be mindful of his words.
“*Patawara niyo nalang siya kay wala siya kahibalo sang iya ginapanghambal*, (just forgive him for he doesn’t know what he is saying).” Oso told the public.
Oso said there are “effeminate” priests, but they do not commit misdeeds.
Recently, Pope Frances urged gay priests to be celibate or leave the priesthood.
“The issue of homosexuality is a very serious issue that must be adequately discerned from the beginning with the candidates,” the Pope said.
Duterte also branded the Catholic Church as the “most hypocritical institution in the entire Philippines”
“The Pope knows that,” he said
