As an organization that envisions a just and inclusive church and society, the

Damdaming Katoliko sa Teolohiya (DaKaTeo), the Catholic Theological Society of the

Philippines, expresses its solidarity with Bp. Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” S. David, the

bishop of Kalookan. As a consequence of his tireless and courageous defence of his

people from the excesses of the “war on drugs,” he has earned the ire of President

Rodrigo R. Duterte. In siding with the victims of this “war,” he has become a model of

what it means to be a good shepherd who defends his flock from marauding wolves.

He is a beacon of hope for the church and our society of what it means to care for those

who cannot defend themselves. He puts to shame those who call themselves

“Christians” but rejoice in the killings that have taken place and/or have acquiesced to

it all in their silence and inaction.

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          We condemn the irresponsible statements of President Duterte in impugning and

maligning the good name of Bp. Ambo without offering any iota of evidence. We call on

him to exercise restraint in his statements and to consider criticisms as means of

becoming a better president and even a statesman. We ask him to be an example of

what it means to be a leader who unites and heals the nation rather than one who sows

division and creates animosity and hatred. With Bp. Ambo, we pray for an end to the

culture of impunity that reigns in our country and for the creation of a just and

inclusive society in which the dignity and rights of all, particularly the poor, are

safeguarded and promoted.