Bishop Patricio Buzon of Bacolod warned that blind political loyalty and fanaticism are causing deep divisions in Philippine society, as he called for discernment, media literacy, and national unity in the wake of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest.
In a homily delivered on March 23 for the Third Sunday of Lent, Buzon said the country is facing “a great tragedy of discord and disunity”, referencing Duterte’s detention in The Hague and the public response from his supporters.
“Blind fanaticism is tearing us apart as a people,” the bishop said. “The destruction wrought by the barrage of fake news, disinformation, deception, and lies that roll out from the pernicious machinery of political trolls affects not only the mind but the very soul of our people.”
He cited a survey showing that more than half of Filipinos struggle to identify fake news on media platforms, adding that promoting media literacy and critical evaluation of online content is urgent.
“We need to be more discerning and learn to fact-check news information especially from social media,” he said. “Lest we perish.”
Buzon’s remarks were framed within his reflection on the day’s Gospel reading, which recounts two tragic events — the execution of Galileans by Pontius Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam — often interpreted by some as divine punishment.
He challenged this view, drawing parallels to local beliefs in “gaba” or karma, and emphasized Jesus’ call for personal conversion instead of blaming victims.
“What is more useful is to look into ourselves and be aware of the precariousness of our own life,” he said. “Unless we repent, we run the risk of suffering the same fate of the victims and perish like them.”
Buzon also drew on the parable of the fig tree to underscore God’s mercy and the opportunity for repentance, noting that Christ, portrayed as the gardener, intercedes to give the unfruitful tree another chance to bear fruit.
In addressing Duterte’s detention, the bishop said true love from the former president’s loyalists should not be about securing his release, but recognizing the moment as a potential path to spiritual transformation.
“If they truly love their Tatay Digong, they will do well to leave him in peace where he is now,” Buzon said. “I strongly believe that his detention in The Hague is a special grace. This could be the last chance for him to return to God.”
He described Duterte’s imprisonment as a critical juncture, noting the former president’s advanced age. “God wants him to be saved,” Buzon said. “For God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked rather than that he would turn from his ways and live.” (Ez 18:23)
Buzon urged Filipinos to prioritize the common good over partisan loyalty, warning that continued division, fueled by lies and blind devotion, threatens the country’s future.
“It is time to put our love of country above any political loyalty lest we all perish,” he said.
