MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has dropped a new series of tirades against the Catholic Church, but one of the most vocal bishops who are critical of him gave a piece of advice to the public. 

Instead of retaliating, Lingayen Archbishop Socrates Villegas advised his flock "not to bash back", especially on social media. 

"Harbor no grudge but be critical and discerning. Be respectful of your parents and those in authority and choose good manners all the time even if you hear and see the opposite," the prelate said in a message on Monday addressed to the youth of his archdiocese. 

Despite the "cursing, threats, and shaming" made by the president, Villegas urged the public to "love him nevertheless."

"Take courage but be loving all the time. Be firm in the faith. Bawal ang duwag pero huwag makipag-away."

He also suggested that the president might have been "a victim of his scarred past and his wounded background."

"He must have received so much rejection and hurts in the past that he blurts out so much hatred and angst now. If he had been loved much, he would be giving so much of that love too," the archbishop added. 

A SINFUL INSTITUTION

While Villegas encouraged the public to continue praying for the president, he also said that as a bishop, he cannot remain silent amid "gross errors."

The former president of the influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Church is "in a spiritual warfare against error and sin."

But this, the prelate said, is due to the "shallow and incomplete" view of the Church. 

Villegas admitted that the Church throughout the course of its history had made mistakes, even crimes. 

"A Church of sinners indeed," he said. 

But according to the archbishop, this should not be a signal to stop believing in God. 

"This is what our present national situation is showing us. When we cast God aside and curse his name, killing becomes easier. Stealing is normalized, vulgarity becomes funny, adultery is applauded. All because we want God to disappear in our lives.

A TERRIBLE OFFENSE

The message may lack the usual fiery words, but the archbishop still admonished the president and said that "it is a terrible offense to blaspheme God, to curse using God’s name."

The president on Saturday he found fault in the creation story in the Bible and questioned God's logic, saying He is "stupid."

READ: Duterte asks: 'Who is this stupid God?'

Villegas reminded Catholics that while the Church teaches that Christians must obey and fulfill its responsibilities to his homeland, they must also "refuse to obey, to refrain from participation and offer resistance" should the state establish laws and procedures that are "racist, sexist or destructive of human life."

"Shield yourselves from error and guide your fellow youth in godliness. Read more about the faith. Study the true teaching of the Church," the prelate added. 

Duterte and the Catholic hierarchy in the Philippines have been trading criticisms since the election period in 2016. 

The former Davao City mayor has accused the Church of being the most hypocritical institution. 

Meanwhile, several members of the clergy, including Villegas, have denounced the administration's bloody war against illegal drugs. The Duterte administration insisted that it does not condone killings. 

But recently, the administration was once again criticized by members of the Church after the death of three Catholic priests in a span of six months. 

Malacañang has denied that the president is persecuting priests. 

READ: Duterte: Priests are no better than me
READ: Palace vows justice for slain Catholic priests

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