Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and President Rodrigo Duterte. Composite

MANILA – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday accused Malacañang of attempting to deceive the public over President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial remark calling God "stupid." 

"Drop that gimmick of having a dialogue with CBCP because it will not mitigate the offense or assuage the offended emotions of the people," said Trillanes in a statement.

This comes days after Duterte questioned why God allowed his "perfect" creation to be ruined by letting Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. 

Duterte asks: 'Who is this stupid God?'
‘Totoo naman’: Duterte defends ‘stupid God’ remark 

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has said Duterte must not be criticized for airing his views on religious matters as he has the right to do so. Presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Penelo, meanwhile, said Duterte's remarks were directed at theologians, not God. 

God is stupid? Palace says Duterte has 'personal convictions'
Duterte 'stupid' rant targets theologians, not God: Panelo

"Malacañang is attempting to deceive the public once again. The issue is not about Duterte's freedom of expression or his freedom to choose his faith," Trillanes said.

"It is wrong on so many levels and in all perspectives. Duterte and his propaganda team must not be allowed to spin or twist this issue," he added. 

Duterte wants 'working relationship', not war with Church: Roque

Duterte, Trillanes said, needs to publicly apologize "with total sincerity." 

But Malacañang has rejected demands for a public apology from the President. 

However, a government panel is set to meet with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) next week, said Roque.

"The end goal is for both institutions to work together to serve society in general… We want closer cooperation not just in dogmas," Roque said.

"We want closer cooperation in the fields of anti-drugs, of reducing poverty, on land reform, on issues that affect human beings which both the Church and the state should be involved in," he added.

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