Can a Religion Play a Massive Role in Evidence-Obsessed Philippine Governance Strategies?

Photo from Manny Pacquiao's Facebook

The 2022 Philippine presidential and vice-presidential elections are scheduled to be held on Monday, May 9, 2022, as part of that year's general election. This will be the 17th direct presidential election and 16th vice-presidential election in the Philippines since 1935, and the seventh sextennial presidential and vice-presidential election since 1986.

One of the presidential candidates is Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. aka Manny Pacquiao - Incumbent Senators. He is famous in the boxing industry(a sport I must say), as he is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing and has won twelve major world titles. 

Matthew 6:24

When he is inside the boxing ring, the whole Philippines unites to support him. But when he entered into the world of politics in 2010 - he was elected as the representative of Sarangani, the  Filipinos were divided into two - those who have faith in his clean intention as a public servant and those who are in doubt on his readiness as a politician. I must say - boxing and being a law-maker are totally different worlds - physical versus intellectual basis.

"How he would do that when he hasn't retired from boxing yet?"  Boxing and Law-Making, not to add, he became a coach and a player for the Philippine Basketball Association team Kia/Mahindra from 2014-2017. In addition, he has also starred in films, recorded music, and has presented television shows. 

(Matthew 6:24)“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

No wonder, Senator Manny Pacquiao posted the worst attendance record for senators in the 3rd and last session of the 17th Congress as it adjourned, "12 absences from July 2018 to June 2019,"  according to data released by the Senate on Sunday, June 9.2019.

Constitution of the Philippines Article II, Section 6

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declares: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. (Article II, Section 6), and, No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

Undeniably, Pacquiao once was not so righteous as he admitted. But his life rotates 360 degrees when his faith was born again - from Catholic to Protestant Evangelical. And his way of living is in line with the so-called righteousness. Actually, Christianity fueled Pacquiao's rise from poverty to the presidential candidacy as he has a campaign slogan "Man of Destiny: For God and Country".

There is a separation between church and state. And, having religious-driven governance is dangerous to the Country. It leads to discrimination, and all reasoning is no longer logical but biblical. The role of religion in areas of human rights, democracy, accountability, and governance has always been conflicting. 

 

In a study from the University of Nottingham, by Kwayu, Aikande Clement, The findings show that there is a relationship between government and faith groups, but that the levels of this relationship fluctuate depending on various factors - one of those the attitudes of politicians and political parties. At a general level, the positive role of religion, particularly in the fight against global poverty.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CONFLICTING - human rights, democracy, accountability, and governance.

 

Remember,  "Masahol pa sa Hayop" subliminal message he said, and the pain still marked on the heart of oppressed #LGBTQIA members. 

In an interview with the TV-5 group for its “Bilang Pilipino” elections coverage, Pacquiao said that “common sense” would tell you that there are no animals who engage in sex with the same gender. 

I hope you will vote wisely.

"The problem of an argument that's based on God is, it is the last resort of a bad debater." - Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.