Jesuit Father Joel Tabore, president of the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City says Catholic officials in the Philippines should give President-elect Rodrigo Duterte a chance to prove himself. (Photo courtesy of Ateneo de Davao)
A prominent Filipino Jesuit urged the country's Catholic bishops to give incoming Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte a chance to prove himself.
"I think that this president is ushering in for us all who are Catholics a period of deep reflection," said Jesuit Father Joel Tabora, president of the Ateneo de Davao University.
Duterte drew the wrath of the country's church leaders this week after he called the Catholic Church "the most hypocritical institution" with a long history of wrongdoing.
The president-elect said some Filipino bishops and priests have even fathered children.
Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz, former head of the bishops' conference, challenged Duterte to divulge the "sins of churchmen."
"If he says that he knows of some bishops and priests with children, I think he should reveal this and give the proper evidence so that the Church can do something about it," said Archbishop Cruz.
Father Tabora, however, said church leaders should "take a very, very humble stance" because Duterte's pronouncement "may be a bit more reflective of the sinfulness of the Catholic Church."
"[Duterte's statement shows] the vulnerability of the Catholic Church to its own sins, so we don’t be so judgmental and absolute in our condemnatory statements," Father Tabora told journalists in Davao City.
The Jesuit priest noted that "a great number of people" who voted for the incoming president are Catholics.
Some 15 million Filipinos voted for Duterte during the May 9 presidential elections despite a strong campaign by several church leaders and organizations not to vote for the Davao mayor.
"The hierarchy has to listen to this. What is the people of God saying?" said Father Tabora. "The leaders of the church will have to listen to what people are saying in their vote," he said.
The priest said he is "very optimistic" of a reconciliation between church leaders and Duterte, but added that the word war does not help in the process of reconciliation.
'Don't be a monster'
Father Tabora also reminded Duterte to fulfill his election promise to "respect the laws of the land."
"I hope that he will not work outside of the law, that he will not work with death squads on a national scale and therefore become a dictator that, in hubris, in excess, may become a monster," said the priest.
The former mayor of Davao, who has been dubbed "The Punisher" for his tough stance on crime, has repeatedly threatened to kill criminals especially those involved in illegal drugs and those who commit "heinous crimes."
Father Tabora warned the incoming president that "power becomes very dangerous."
"We want to support you, but be the person we see in you. Don't be a monster," said Father Tabora.
The priest reminded Duterte of his post-election statement about a "time for healing," which should include "people in the bishops' conference who made statements on this and that during the elections."
"I think it would be good for everybody to let Mr. Duterte form his government and perform and actually show how he is going to bring about the change he promises," the priest said.