Cardinal Pablo David: A Voice of Resistance Amid Duterte’s Drug War
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, a leading critic of Duterte’s deadly drug war, has been marked for death yet remains committed to social justice. His direct responses to systemic violence and personal threats have drawn international attention. Recently elevated to cardinal, he represents hope and compassion in a challenging landscape.
In the shadow of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent anti-drug campaign, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David emerged as a steadfast voice for justice. Now among 133 cardinal-electors in the Vatican, David is cloistered in the Sistine Chapel, waiting to see if he will be chosen as the next pope, a figure of silence and devotion.
David was ordained in 1983 and has a history of activism, beginning with protests against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. He spent five years obtaining a doctorate in Belgium and even learned Aramaic during his studies in Jerusalem. His academic background and dedication to the Church have shaped his current stance.
In his role as bishop, David has been a vocal opponent of Duterte’s war on drugs, which led to thousands of extrajudicial killings and drew significant international criticism. One tragic case that deeply affected him involved Kian Loyd delos Santos, a 17-year-old student shot by police during an anti-drug operation; this event became emblematic of the violence propagated under Duterte’s regime.
Tragically, Kian’s family faced community ostracism and wrongful labeling by law enforcement as drug dealers. The discrepancies between police reports and eyewitness accounts contributed to widespread outrage and skepticism regarding the government’s narrative. Statistics reveal the war on drugs has resulted in 7,742 civilian deaths, a number much higher than the official government figures.
Born in 1957 in Pampanga and the tenth of thirteen siblings, David’s journey in the Church rose sharply after his ordination in the early 1980s. He later became the bishop of Kalookan in 2016, a district severely impacted by Duterte’s drug war. Each week, bodies of the young and destitute were found throughout his neighborhood, compelling him to take action.
David documented the killings and provided sanctuary to bereaved families, all while delivering sermons that emphasized compassion and justice. This commitment drew the ire of Duterte, who reacted defensively against criticisms from the Church. David’s outspoken nature led to serious consequences; he was publicly vilified and faced threats to his life.
In fact, President Duterte specifically targeted him in speeches, accusing him of corruption and even labeling him as a potential drug suspect. Such threats were alarming and sparked fears within the religious community. Following these threats, David scaled back his public prayers, maintaining caution in light of the danger he faced. Despite this, he remained undeterred, proclaiming, “The threat to my life, I leave to God.”
In 2019, Cardinal David’s bravery caught the eye of Pope Francis, who expressed recognition of his struggles. While in the Vatican, the Pope acknowledged the tumultuous situation in David’s diocese, surprising him with a personal blessing. This interaction left such an emotional impact, illustrating the support from the Church when faced with adversity.
Elected as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in 2022, David amplifies his advocacy for justice and accountability on a national scale. His appointment as a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2024 marks a significant acknowledgment of his courage in the face of danger. Now, his story is illustrative of resilience.
As investigations into Duterte’s drug war continue internationally, Cardinal David symbolizes hope in an era of ongoing political turbulence. He stands as a reminder that the Church can foster compassion, even amidst oppression. Even after Duterte’s rule, he asserts, “We are shepherds; we are not supposed to run away when the wolves come.”
On a lighter note, David commented on a pop-culture image featuring former President Trump as the Pope, emphasizing, “… we’d like him to know it’s not funny.” This sentiment reflects his unwavering dedication to his moral mission, despite the changing political landscape.
In summary, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David has emerged as a significant figure amid the tumult of Duterte’s drug war. His resilience in the face of threats and injustice highlights not only the power of faith but also the urgent call for accountability in governance. David’s recent elevation to cardinal status serves as both recognition of his courageous advocacy and a reminder of the challenges that persist in protecting human dignity in the Philippines. As he continues his ministry, he remains a beacon of hope for the oppressed, embodying the call to shepherd with compassion and courage.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
