Political Holiness: The Fundamental Role of Religious Groups in Shaping the Philippine Government
- deskvalor
- Mar 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 26
By: Jamilla Alincastre, Nica Bangalan, Camille Cupalao, Quian Fuertez, Jeraldine Gusi, Jessica Jaime, Rhoanna Malabaguio, Patrichsia Mamaril, Emren Manalastas, Nona Mejia, Sebastian Pamintuan, Ybarro Pangilinan, Mackenzie Riguer, Aice Rodriguez, Adel Santos, Mathieu Tagorio, Trisha Zape, Eian Zingapan
A six-year governing reign full of what was meant to revolve around forgiveness, reconciliation, renewal, and
spiritual reflection was disturbed by political strife under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s political administration. The impeachment proceedings against his then co-political party member Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ignited widespread controversy, sparking large-scale rallies led by the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). These demonstrations, anchored in the country’s strong ideology of democracy, underscore the Filipino people's active role in shaping national governance and political standing. “The Right to Impeach: First Things First” by Fransisco S. Tatad on January 3, 2025, highlights the aim and influence of the INC in pressuring Congress to halt the impeachment and criminal charges against the current Vice President, along with the previous-term President. Although Tatad prefers avoiding external influence in the process of impeachments, the independence of the Philippine government administration from any external influence would remove the administration's accountability to good governance. Ensuring the right to impeach is more than a constitutional action, it holds Philippine administrations accountable for their actions, makes politicians liable, prioritizes national concerns, and upholds transparency in governance over the interests of those driven by power and greed.
First, Tatad (2025) asserted that religious groups should not interfere in impeachment proceedings, as it would
“go against constitutional principles” and that being influenced by external groups would grant them a power they do not possess. Recognizing that the separation of Church and State ensures that governmental decisions remain impartial and not be swayed by religious or political groups. An instance of external groups not influencing a governmental decision is the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum done by former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, despite the backlash of religious institutions concerning the financial difficulties of Catholic schools and the secular focus of the curriculum, to achieve quality education, emphasizing that education is the foundation of a good nation (Deiparine, 2021). However, it cannot be ignored that the right to peaceful assembly and free speech are also fundamental rights in the country, as stated in the Bill of Rights in 1987 Philippine Constitution Article III, Section 4. Denying this right to INC and other groups will suppress public discourse on political issues, which can cause reduced political engagements of citizens and loss of diverse perspectives. Additionally, according to Article II, Section 6, the principle of the separation of Church and State is not meant to silence the voice of religious institutions but rather prevent the government from favoring and being influenced by any religious groups. Furthermore, in an interview with Attorney N. Mejia, she noted that: “Religious groups can be involved in political activities. By conducting rallies to protest the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo were merely exercising their rights” (personal interview, February 5, 2025).
Second, Tatad (2025) attested that the INC are people who merge matters on the subjects of Church and State.
Granted that, their control may produce mere followers who could endanger the state of the country by casting their vote solely based on religious influence (Tolentino, 2010). Religiosity and morality play crucial roles in taking hold of voters who are able to choose the country’s leaders, which is similar to arraign the said officials. No less than the Bill of Rights under the 1987 Constitution secures the right of these people to involve themselves in political matters, including but not limited to defending the charges filed against the Vice President. In addition, to openly express their support of Sara Duterte against the abovementioned impeachment process laid out for her is also one of the rights simply acted upon by their members. Concerning this, Mr. J.C. Pacleta, an interviewee, avowed his view as a Christian encircling the affiliation of the Church to a leader’s traits. He pronounced that: “...a true Church teaches its members to have the discernment on the qualities of a leader that align with what is written in the Holy Book and the Constitution.” He supposed that although the rally by the INC members is allegedly peaceful, it is a palpable act intended to menace the lawmakers who are running for re-election. Despite having no recorded cases of armed rallies, or demonstrations involving firearms (ACLED, 2021) held by the INC to organize any purpose of being included in issues of governance, their rallies reflect their aim to play an active role in democratic processes to ensure that their voices are heard.
Third, Tatad (2025) claims that rallies in support of the impeachment proceedings would fuel chaos and disorder.
Nonetheless, the right to free speech and freedom of religion, and religious groups cannot be hindered by the State. Gey (2000) states that religious speech should be regarded differently than other types of speech, disallowing religious speeches from pressuring the government and prompting disturbance. Certainly, the probability of a pandemonium breaking out during rallies is high, particularly the ones instigated by non-religious groups. Multiple protests in the Philippines led to clashes with the police, as seen during Bonifacio Day rallies (Tupas, 2024). However, religious leaders believe in and are committed to peace (Saludes, 2024). The INC rally, dated January 13, was regarded as peaceful without any incidents of violence (Francisquete, 2025). Despite the number of participants leading up to over a million, the religious group’s intent to have a “peaceful rally” was maintained. As stated by a legal consultant, Mr. A.E. Espineda, the state’s constitutional guarantee to free speech and information is subject to regulations: “Through its local government units, shall exercise reasonable rally permits not hampering their exercise of free speech and information on matters involving state officials’ wrongful acts should be with maximum tolerance with and should be reciprocated by religious groups in holding peaceful rallies free from any violence” (personal communication, February 6, 2025). Hence, rallies staged by religious groups are not likely to induce havoc and disarray.
In light of this situation in the Philippines, as the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) holds protests that contribute to political
interference, it is also a path for religious groups to signify their privilege and freedom of speech. Moreover, the INC organizing rallies in response to the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and criminal charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte publicizes the separation of the Church and the State, keeping all governmental proclamations to remain unbiased and not easily prevaricated by religious credences. Although it is known that there should be a distinct line between the government and religious affiliates, which may have resulted in it being multifaceted, these religious protests practice the people’s freedom of speech. This enables individuals to express themselves, even through faith and their beliefs, to draw attention to the corruption and misuse of power committed by those with authority (Article 19, 2016). As stated in Section 4, Article 3: Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution affirms that: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Every individual’s right to freedom of assembly is further legislated in Batas Pambansa Blg. 880: An Act Ensuring The Free Exercise By The People Of Their Right Peaceably to Assemble and Petition the Government (Amnesty Philippines, 2024). Even so, informal tampering with the government, specifically with the lawmakers, to force alterations in the legal system in the country should be supervised to promote legal proceedings and trials. Only if these religious groups practice peaceful protests and do not interfere with the government should it be deemed as a way to express their opinions and not government obstruction. Ensuring that the masses have the right to impeach empowers them to uphold the transparency and responsibility of the people who take part in the Philippine government, assuring that the needs of the public are favored above the interests of the country's leaders.
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