PALMA
CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma described President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a “rehash” of his administration’s programs that thankfully had no cursing and was straightforward.
“The usual, drugs, fight against corruption and poverty, which we’ve already expected. What’s important is on how he would implement this in a manner that before he finishes his term, it should be effective,” he said.
He said it’s too early to decide how the president’s programs would impact on the country even as he questioned President Duterte’s statement that he saves lives while pursuing his war on drugs.
“It’s also questionable. How can you say human right without respecting life? That’s the question posted by many,” he said.
Palma said he grieved over the recent killings in Cebu and extended his sympathies to the families.
“It’s hard to say who’s doing it. There are suspicions that military are doing it or those who took advantage on the war on drugs to dispatch those suspected being drug dealers,” Palma said.
The Cebu archbishop called on the Cebu-based faithful to pray for the lives lost in the administration’s war on drugs.
Palma also said law enforcement agencies should redouble their efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the killings.