In a nation where over 80% of the population identifies as Catholic, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s brazen mockery of God and the Church was not just provocative—it was a deliberate assault on the spiritual core of the Philippines. From calling God “stupid” to cursing Pope Francis and proposing himself as a saint, Duterte’s blasphemous rhetoric was a hallmark of his presidency (2016–2022). Yet, his supporters, the so-called DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters), clapped and cheered, blinded by his populist charisma. They dubbed him “Tatay Digong” (Father Digong), elevating a man who insulted the divine to near-messianic status. This moral failing is compounded by the tangible wreckage of his tenure: a P13 trillion national debt, billions looted in the Pharmally scandal, collapsing infrastructure, and the societal decay wrought by POGOs and EJKs. Duterte’s blasphemy and his supporters’ complicity have left a nation spiritually and economically bankrupt, with his ICC arrest signaling a reckoning—divine or otherwise.

Duterte’s War on the Divine
Duterte’s attacks on religion were relentless and calculated. In a June 2018 speech in Davao City, he questioned the doctrine of original sin, sneering, “Who is this stupid God? You created something perfect, and then you think of an event that would tempt and destroy the quality of your work.” The crowd’s applause revealed a troubling willingness to excuse sacrilege for political loyalty. This was no isolated incident. During Pope Francis’s 2015 visit, Duterte cursed the pontiff, calling him a “son of a whore” for causing traffic in Manila, later offering a half-hearted apology. He mocked Catholic saints as “hypocrites and loons,” proposing “Santo Rodrigo” as a worthier object of worship, and even suggested an “iglesia ni Duterte” (church of Duterte). These remarks weren’t mere provocations; they were a direct challenge to the Catholic Church’s moral authority in a devout nation.

Duterte’s blasphemy extended beyond words. He claimed divine appointment, comparing himself to biblical figures like King Josiah, sent to “cleanse” society. Some supporters, including religious leaders in poor communities like Payatas, echoed this, viewing him as God’s “punisher” to root out social ills. Yet, this narrative conveniently ignored his policies’ human cost. By framing himself as a divinely ordained crusader, Duterte co-opted religious language to justify his actions, from EJKs to corruption, while his supporters’ cheers drowned out the Church’s protests. X posts reflect this hypocrisy: one user noted, “Sabi ni Digong estupido ang Diyos… tapos ngayon, nagtitipon ang mga supporter niya sa simbahang Katoliko” (Duterte called God stupid… now his supporters gather in Catholic churches).

The Economic and Social Cost of Hubris
Duterte’s sacrilege was matched by his governance failures, which his supporters willfully ignored. The national debt soared to P12.79 trillion by June 2022, up from P5.9 trillion when he took office in 2016, a P6.89 trillion increase driven by COVID-19 spending and high-interest Chinese loans. His “Build, Build, Build” program, meant to usher in a “Golden Age of Infrastructure,” left a trail of shoddy projects—bridges collapsed due to poor-quality materials, with corruption siphoning off funds meant for public welfare. The Pharmally scandal epitomized this greed: billions in public funds were allegedly funneled to cronies for overpriced, substandard medical supplies during the pandemic, with no accountability for those involved.
POGOs, allowed to flourish under Duterte, became a cancer on society. Linked to Chinese syndicates, these offshore gaming operations fueled crime, human trafficking, and money laundering, with critics alleging Duterte and his allies profited handsomely. The promised economic benefits never reached ordinary Filipinos, instead deepening social decay. Meanwhile, the drug war’s EJKs claimed up to 30,000 lives, targeting the poor with impunity. The Catholic Church, led by figures like Bishop Broderick Pabillo, condemned this “reign of terror,” but Duterte dismissed their criticism, accusing the Church of corruption while ignoring his own administration’s sins.

The Complicity of Supporters
Duterte’s supporters are not mere bystanders—they are enablers of his moral and political transgressions. Their cheers for his blasphemous rants—calling God stupid, insulting the Pope, threatening to kill bishops—reveal a troubling moral blindness. X posts capture this sentiment: one user listed Duterte’s sins, including “minura ang Diyos at ang santo papa” (insulting God and the Pope), yet noted supporters’ unwavering loyalty. This devotion persists despite evidence of corruption and violence. In Payatas, religious leaders justified Duterte’s drug war, comparing him to biblical punishers, ignoring the widows and orphans left behind. Even after his March 2025 ICC arrest for crimes against humanity, supporters rallied in The Hague and across the Philippines, chanting “bring him home” and peddling narratives of illegal detention. Their refusal to acknowledge his role in EJKs, Pharmally, or POGO-related chaos suggests a cult-like allegiance that elevates Duterte above moral scrutiny.

This blind loyalty is not just a personal failing—it’s a national tragedy. By excusing Duterte’s blasphemy and corruption, supporters have enabled a culture of impunity that undermines the Philippines’ moral and economic fabric. The Church, despite its own flaws, has been a consistent voice against Duterte’s excesses, with bishops calling his remarks a “wake-up call” for reflection. Yet, supporters’ dismissal of these warnings, coupled with their embrace of Duterte as a divine instrument, betrays the very faith they claim to uphold.

A Reckoning: Divine or Human?
Duterte’s arrest by the ICC in March 2025, following a warrant for his drug war’s alleged crimes against humanity, has been framed by some as divine retribution for his blasphemy. Historical parallels abound: leaders like Ferdinand Marcos, who defied moral norms, faced exile or downfall. Duterte’s hubris—mocking God while presiding over a regime of death and theft—may have invited a similar fate. However, the ICC is a human institution, and its pursuit of Duterte is rooted in legal accountability, not divine will. Attributing his arrest solely to blasphemy risks oversimplifying the complex interplay of politics and justice.

Still, the symbolism is potent. Duterte’s fall, from a self-proclaimed “Santo Rodrigo” to a frail figure in custody, underscores the fragility of unchecked power. His supporters, who once saw him as God’s “punisher,” now face a choice: cling to a discredited idol or confront the truth of his legacy. The P13 trillion debt, collapsing bridges, POGO-driven crime, and blood of EJK victims demand accountability—not just from Duterte, but from those who enabled him.

Conclusion: A Call to Repentance
Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was a betrayal of faith and nation. His blasphemy—calling God stupid, cursing the Pope, and mocking Catholic dogma—was not just an attack on religion but a reflection of his disdain for accountability. His supporters, by cheering his sacrilege and ignoring his corruption, have complicitly fueled a national crisis: a P13 trillion debt, stolen billions, crumbling infrastructure, and a society scarred by POGOs and EJKs. The ICC’s arrest may be a step toward justice, but true healing requires Filipinos to reject the false prophet of “Tatay Digong.” The Church calls for repentance; the nation demands truth. It’s time to break free from the lies and rebuild a Philippines that honors both God and its people.(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #TatayDigong #PharmallyScandal #POGO #blasphemy #ImeeMarcos #DDSSUPPORTERS #IndaySaraDuterte