Duterte: My God is not your God

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) — President Rodrigo Duterte is not backing down from discussions regarding his controversial statements about God. And he isn't taking back one word.

At an event in Cagayan de Oro Monday, the President took issue with some lawmakers who called him out for saying God was "stupid."

"I said that in connection with my statement against Sister Fox," Duterte said.

Duterte took issue with foreign priests and nuns who criticize him. Sister Patricia Fox is Australian.

"Wala akong sinabi na torpe ang Ginoo ko. Sabi ko – you review the tapes – your God is not my God because your God is stupid. Mine has a lot of common sense," he said.

Duterte added he had the freedom to believe in who he wanted to believe.

In a speech in Davao City Friday, the President said, "Who is this stupid God? Estupido talaga itong p***** i** kung ganun [This son of a b***h is stupid if that's the case]. You created some – something perfect and then you think of an event that would tempt and destroy the quality of your work."

The President was talking about the Bible story of Adam and Eve, and their ejection from the Garden of Eden.

Duterte's comments drew flak not just from netizens, but also from lawmakers.

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said Friday that he had taken the President's side even when he had doubts because he believed Duterte was different from those who previously held office.

"Between him and my God to whom I pray every single day and with whom I've found solace and comfort in all my difficult times, I don't even have to think of my choice. May my God forgive him and make him atone for all his sins," he said.

However, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo defended Duterte.