The intersection of religion and politics has long been a contentious issue worldwide, but in Benguet, it has reached a critical juncture, where the very essence of democratic principles is at stake.
The use of religious rhetoric and symbolism by political candidates, particularly those vying for the highest offices, reveals an alarming trend: the exploitation of faith for political advantage. This practice is not only improper but also undermines the core principle of the separation of church and state, a cornerstone of democratic governance that is enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.
In the Philippines, where the Catholic Church holds substantial influence and many religious groups play an active role in politics, political candidates often invoke the word of God to rally support, frame their platforms, and lend moral weight to their campaign promises.
It is not uncommon to hear politicians declare that their political ideologies align with divine will, or to use biblical verses as tools to convey an image of moral righteousness. This tactic plays to the deep religious devotion of Filipinos, a predominantly Christian nation, and attempts to align political agendas with divine endorsement.
However, this manipulation of faith is not only morally reprehensible, it is also a gross violation of the principle that should guide our nation: the clear separation between religion and government.
The principle of separation of church and state was explicitly enshrined in the 1987 Constitution to prevent the undue influence of religious groups on state affairs and to ensure that the government remains neutral in religious matters. This was done to protect religious freedom, to avoid religious conflict, and to uphold the integrity of democratic institutions.
The political exploitation of religion undermines this separation, as it uses religion as a political tool, disregarding the diversity of beliefs and the secular nature of governance.
When candidates invoke religion to gain an advantage, they risk marginalizing the beliefs of millions of Filipinos who do not share the same religious affiliations. The Philippines is home to a variety of religious traditions, including Islam, Protestant Christianity, and indigenous spiritual practices.
By using religion as a political weapon, politicians imply that those who do not adhere to a particular faith are somehow less moral or less deserving of political representation. This not only disrespects the pluralistic nature of our society but also fosters division, conflict, and an environment where religious intolerance can thrive.
Moreover, the use of religious rhetoric by political candidates often distorts the very values that religion seeks to uphold. Faith is about humility, compassion, justice, and service to others, yet when religion is used for political gain, these values become weaponized to secure votes rather than to inspire genuine change. This is evident in how political candidates often use religious language to craft a narrative of moral superiority, implying that their policies or leadership are divinely ordained while others are flawed or sinful.
This dangerous rhetoric places religion at the center of a power struggle, reducing it to a mere tool of political manipulation. The consequences of such exploitation are far-reaching. The politicization of religion compromises the integrity of both institutions: the government and religious organizations. It creates a false dichotomy, dividing citizens into those who are “with God” and those who are “against God;” thus, obscuring the real issues that need to be addressed.
Rather than focusing on genuine governance—on policies that address poverty, inequality, education, and human rights—candidates who rely on religious endorsements are more interested in securing political power at the expense of meaningful discourse.
As citizens of a democratic nation, we must demand accountability from our leaders. We must hold them to the principles that protect the freedoms we hold dear, including the right to worship freely without fear of political coercion.
The use of religion for political advantage must be condemned, not only because it is ethically wrong, but because it erodes the democratic foundations upon which our nation is built.
In the Philippines, where politics and religion have historically been intertwined, it is crucial that we reinvigorate the commitment to the separation of church and state. This is not a call for the exclusion of religion from the public sphere, but rather for the protection of its sanctity from the manipulative forces of politics.
We must ensure that the word of God is not used as a mere tool for electoral gain, but as a
moral compass guiding individuals toward genuine service to the people, not to political power.
The integrity of our democracy depends on it.
