MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang Palace is investigating an incident that took place on Saturday during the turnover of historic church bells in Balangiga in Easter Samar, in which a presidential staff member allegedly asked priests and bishops to leave the town plaza before the arrival of President Rodrigo Duterte. “If it indeed happened, then the same is not authorized and such unethical conduct can not be sanctioned by [the President]. Panelo said that Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, and Archbishop Romulo Valles, the CBCP president among others, sat in the front row. They even exchanged pleasantries with the President, Panelo said. “He [Duterte] likewise acknowledged their presence in his brief remarks,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 16, 2018 11:48 UTC