MANILA — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile expressed irony on Tuesday, criticizing those accused of committing injustices who are now “drowning and gasping” for justice.
Though he didn’t directly name individuals, Enrile’s comments come amid the ongoing legal troubles of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his administration’s controversial drug war.
In a Facebook post, Enrile wrote: “What a pathetic irony! Those who allegedly committed acts of injustice are now pleading for justice. In their distress, they call for national prayer rallies to a God they once called ‘stupid.'”
This remark echoes Duterte’s past criticism of the Catholic Church and God, notably his 2018 statement where he called God “stupid” for the concept of original sin. He later refused to apologize for the comment.
Duterte’s supporters recently organized a “Bring PRRD Home” rally, praying for his safe return to the Philippines amid the ICC’s arrest warrant. Enrile further lambasted Duterte’s critics, accusing them of blaming others for the situation they themselves created due to arrogance and a hunger for power.
Enrile’s statement sheds light on the complex legal and political battle surrounding Duterte, with calls for justice now intertwined with past controversies.
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