A picture depicting Father Damaso (Dr. Rizal's symbolism of the friars mostly of his time in his Noli Me Tangere novel who are arrogant, anti Filipino and immoral)
I GOT THIS SOURCE FROM THIS LINK
I first heard this term used by Carlos Celdran, who has become quite famous for his interesting walking tours of Intramuros. In just over two hours, he gives an enthralling summary of Philippine history, from pre-Spanish colonial times to the American occupation, complete with his unique brand of theatrics, period costumes, and music. However, Carlos also deftly explains the psyche of the Filipino nation and the historical factors that led to its formation.
In particular, Carlos explains how the Church was able to exert a tremendous amount of influence during the Spanish era, how its power oftentimes superseded that of the Spanish governor-general, and how this religious-political arrangement continues to this day. His tours are a crash course in Philippine culture for foreigners seeking to understand this country’s soul and a definite eye-opener for many Filipinos.
Carlos has also gained notoriety—and popular following—for his recent public antics. A few months ago, he spent a night in jail after interrupting a mass at the Manila Cathedral by walking in dressed in a 19th century outfit and denouncing at the top of his voice the Church’s opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill. If passed, the RH Bill would, among others, educate Filipinos on modern family-planning methods, make available condoms and contraceptives, and improve pre- and post-natal care for women. Some praised Carlos for his stunt, comparing the diminutive tour guide to national hero Jose Rizal who also criticized the Church’s meddling in the country’s affairs and was executed upon the behest of the friars. Others castigated him for being a trouble-maker and rabble-rouser.
While I didn’t agree with his Manila Cathedral caper (the wrong execution of the right ideal), I fully support Carlos’ stand on the RH Bill and the complete separation of Church and State.
The Philippines is a secular country, as enshrined in Article 2, section 6 of the 1987 constitution, which states that the separation of Church and State is inviolable. This means that the government should not make any laws that aid or give preference to a certain religion, nor should any religious group or denomination interfere in government affairs and policies. However, even under the most ideal circumstances, the Church can be expected to try to sway state policies by alluding to issues in homilies or employing back-channel approaches to quietly influence politicians. Unfortunately, the Church has just gone too far.
For instance, emblazoned on the façade of the Manila Cathedral are two very big signs that read “Do we need the RH Bill? No!”. I have traveled extensively all over the Catholic world and this is the first time I have ever seen such a direct and barefaced manifestation of the Church’s interference in state affairs. What is even more shocking and alarming is that thousands of people pass in front of the Manila Cathedral everyday, yet no one seems to have noticed this or complained about it.
Just a few days ago, sources said retired Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and four other bishops hosted a dinner in Wack-Wack village for the 35 lawmakers who had committed to blocking the passage of the RH Bill being debated in Congress. The meeting was reportedly set to cement the pro-Church voting bloc in the Lower House and to discuss other ways to derail the passage of the RH Bill.
As I write this column, the Church, through its minions, is trying to pass a barangay (community) ordinance to ban the sale of condoms and contraceptives in the Ayala Alabang area. Barangay Ordinance 01-2011, 1, entitled “An Ordinance Providing for the Safety and Protection of the Unborn Child,” deems it illegal to sell, advertise, or even purchase contraceptives within the territory of Ayala Alabang unless the buyer presents a doctor’s prescription. This is an unconstitutional infringement on our rights as citizen’s of the Republic, not to mention our private lives.
I am not against the Church preaching its beliefs to its followers, as long as this is done in their places of worship or Catholic-run schools. What I am against is the Church’s blatant interference in secular matters. There are 16.1 million Filipinos who are not Catholics and the government is obligated to look after their welfare. Furthermore, surveys say that 70% of Catholics want family planning advice and be able to use contraceptives. The issue here is education and free choice.
The Catholic Church hierarchy had better wake up and smell the coffee. The arrogance of these men of the cloth and their stooges and their blatant disregard of their place in our modern, secular state, not to mention their open contempt for those who disagree with their religious views, behoove me. Like the Taliban hiding in their caves in the mountains of Afghanistan, they have absolutely no place in a free, democratic society.
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