Philippine Religious Politics ( 1ST PAGE AND 2ND PAGE)

In the Philippines, there are notable personalities that greatly impacted the way of how people view politics. Firstly is Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. Tagle (Calonzo, 2012) made an appeal in the legislator in the house of representatives about the approval of RH bill. Tagle encourages the legislators to put in to consideration the moral teachings of Jesus Christ. In addition, the Roman Catholic Church, according to Tagle (Calonzo, 2012), is in favor only of the natural birth control. Thus, RH bill for the church is a violation of Moral teachings of the Lord. In contrast, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, stated that "The writing on the wall spelling the defeat of the anti-RH critics is verily patent which even the blind can perceive". Furthermore, Lagman warned the Roman Catholic Church of "religious interference". The Philippine Constitution under article II section 6, that the separation of the church and state shall be inviolable. In that case, the church may participate indirectly on this matter through educating the people about the moral teachings of the Lord but, the church shall not interfere in the decision making of the house of representatives and house of senate ( Oliveros, 2015). It bares stressing that the constitution clearly provides that the church should not mingle with affairs of the state. clearly   CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Joselito Asis said that the officials of the Catholic Hierarchy plan to protest against the lawmakers thaw will vote in favor of the  RH bill (Calonzo, 2012).

In the history of Philippine Religious Politics, there were times where the church flexed its political strength because of its moral duty. One of the notable event where the church interfered on the duty of the government were led by Cebu Arch Bishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. Vidal, together with CBCP declared that "according to Moral princicples, a government that assumes or retains power through fraudulent means has no moral basis". Vidal (Esmaquel II, 2019) encouraged the people to make up their mind on what happened during the 7th of februaly 1986, where they condemned the snap Presedential election as "unparalleled in the farudulence of their conduct". The next one is the EDSA revolution where in Manila Archbishop Cardinal Sin was considered a key figure. Furthermore, Sin had a great influence to people that encouraged them  greatly to participate in the revolution.

Relationship, dynamics and action.
On the event that was provided on the first two paragraphs, It shows that the separation of Church and state that was provided by the Philippine Constitution is being disregarded up until now. The relation here is that Cardinal Tagle and the CBCP has a great connection with the masses for their religious influence. Thus, as mentioned on the first paragraph, Tagle ( Calonzo, 2012) made an appeal for the RH bill the the senate is planning to pass. Tagle is trying to make a change in the decision making of the house of representatives and senate regarding the passing of RH bill using the moral teachings of God, well in fact, he should not be doing that because just like what  Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman (Oliveros, 2015) the church should avoid any religious interference for the Philippine Constitution of the artice II section 6 already provided the separation of the church and state. This actions is the dynamics that is currently happening up until now. That the church is no longer respecting the Philippine Constitution.

ANDREO CALONZO, G. N. (2012, December 16). Cardinal Tagle to lawmakers: Be open to God's wisdom on RH bill. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/286660/cardinal-tagle-to-lawmakers-be-open-to-god-s-wisdom-on-rh-bill/story/
Oliveros, B. (2015, September 03). The principle of separation of church and state. Retrieved from https://www.bulatlat.com/2015/09/03/the-principle-of-separation-of-church-and-state/

II, P. E. (2019, March 17). When the Catholic Church flexes political muscles. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/225763-when-catholic-church-flexes-political-muscles-moral-duty




link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av80CKA66Nw