DAVAO CITY — President Duterte on Wednesday resumed his attacks on the Catholic Church, this time criticizing its practice of collecting money from its flock.

In a speech during the Asia-Pacific Healthy Islands Conference at Marco Polo hotel here, the President reiterated his belief in a God “who does not need money.”

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“I have a God. But my God does not need money,” he told health ministers from Asia-Pacific island-states, as well as members of the diplomatic corps led by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua.

Cutting to a mumble, apparently referring to criticisms he got over his “stupid god” remarks, he said, “When they begin to ask, ‘Where’s the money of the people?’ and I say, ‘It’s government’s money, it’s people’s money.’

Then I ask the same thing, ‘What happened to the money of the people that’s been given (to the Church)?’ That’s my basic objection actually.” — FRINSTON LIM

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