By Genalyn Kabiling The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) has reportedly offered to wash the feet of President Duterte in a ritual of humility and service for others. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the evangelical leaders expressed willingness to help the President heal from the abuse he endured from a priest when he was young by performing such ritual. President Rodrigo Duterte
(Manny Llanes / MANILA BULLETIN) “Although it is not the PCEC itself that was responsible for this form of abuse, nonetheless as Christians they felt that perhaps if they do that which is an act of humility, the President will understand that even if they're not the church that did him the harm, there is still the church that would want to acknowledge that a harm was done," Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines. "Perhaps that would help in the healing process,” he added. Roque said the President has agreed to meet with the PCEC officials in Malacañang but the date has not yet been finalized. He said the President was not yet aware about the PCEC's offer but "I'm sure he will appreciate it." The foot-washing ritual imitates Jesus’ gesture of humility and service. Jesus washed the feet of his 12 apostles at the Last Supper. Amid the outrage over the President’s controversial statement about God, a government committee met with leaders of the PCEC last week to kick off the dialogue with various church groups. Roque, one of the President's four emissaries assigned to dialogue with the Church, was present in the meeting. The PCEC earlier said it was "immensely offended" by the President's attacks against God, asking Duterte to refrain from insulting another person's religion. After the dialogue with the government, the PCEC has offered prayers for the President towards his healing.