In an about-face after previously opposing same-sex unions, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he supported them at an LGBT gathering in Davao City, according to Channel News Asia.

"I said I am for (same) sex marriage if that is the trend of the modern times," he said. "If that will add to your happiness, I am for it."

"Why impose a morality that is no longer working and almost passed," Duterte asked, and asked the LGBT to find a representative he could appoint to a government post.

The move is likely to irk powerful Roman Catholic bishops in the country who have opposed his violent crackdown on drugs.

The president’s top ally in congress earlier this year drew criticism from church leaders after saying he would push for same-sex marriage legislation.