Church And Politics In The Philippines

No matter how much people debate about the issue, it has become inevitable in the Philippines for politicians to pursue the bloc votes of various religious organizations.

Vice versa, it seems that the churches have also made it a habit to use the pulpit to anoint or favor a politician. As it seems, this habit makes an informal endorsement of sorts.

In 1998, the influential group, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Movement led by Bro. Eddie Villanueva, conducted a rally at the Luneta Grandstand entitled, "Jesus' Declaration of Victory" (JDV). Looking into the title in pure context, there is nothing wrong about it, but just a clear statement of showing that Jesus is declaring victory for His people. However, people are quick to note that the title gives a double-meaning to endorse then presidential aspirant Jose De Venecia (JDV).

History unfolded, and De Venecia lost via a very big margin vs Erap Estrada.

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Last Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally filed her Certificate of Candidacy as Representative of the 2nd District of Pampanga.

Before the filing of the COC, the President attended a catholic mass where the priest, Fr. Roland Moraleja likens Arroyo's descent (from President to Representative) as that of Jesus Christ.

"Do not believe you are diminishing the power of the [Office of the] President. Ating metung a taung migbaba ba yang sumuyo—I Kristo (There was a person who came down to serve us—Jesus Christ)".

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If religious acts like these will continue on and on, no one really knows. But as long as there are religious organizations that benefit from the government and as long as there are government officials that benefit from religious organizations, it is bound to continue.


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See also: Battle of the Gods