Duterte tells Leyteños: 'Pray directly to God, not through priests'
President Duterte said he would pray that Leyte would be spared from another devastating typhoon but asked its people to do the same but this time, directly to God and not through priests.

Duterte made the statement during his visit to Maasin City, Leyte on Saturday, December 18, following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette there late last week.
During a situation briefing in Maasin City, the President expressed his sympathies to the victims of the typhoon, assuring the people there that he will be praying that this will not happen again.
"Ang akong pangayo sa Ginoo, nga ayaw lang unta pag tagai og kuan sunod nga bagyo (The only thing I’m asking from God, I am asking Him to spare you from another typhoon)," he said.
Duterte said it might be more effective if the people of Leyte will pray as well but this time, directly to God.
"Usahay siguro basig mag-ampo mong taga-Leyte, mag-ampo mo, mag-ampo ra mo ngadto sa pari. Ayaw mo’g ampo sa pari, diretso mo sa Ginoo (Maybe when you Leyteños pray, you pray to the priest. Don’t pray to the priest, pray directly to God)," he said.
"Tuo mo anang pari. You go direct to God even if you are in the church. Pag-ampo mo kay kinahanglan gyud nato ang maayong --- kalamidad ngadto (Why do you believe in those priests? You pray directly to God even if you are in the church. Pray hard because we really need a good --- to fight the calamities there)," he added.
On Saturday, December 18, Duterte made his way to Maasin and distributed relief packs and cash assistance to the victims of Typhoon Odette.
The President has pledged P2 billion to assist those affected by the typhoon.