Protecting the freedom of religion holds the key to our nation’s progress.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed this as he pointed out that following the teachings of one’s faith will lead to true service and good governance.
“While the 1987 Constitution decrees the separation of Church and State, there can be no true sense of public service if people do not internalize their faith.”
At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Padilla said that while the 1987 Constitution decrees the separation of Church and State, there can be no true sense of public service if people do not internalize their faith.
“Sana po, isabuhay natin itong paniniwalang ito, pilitin nating isabuhay nating palagi sapagka’t dito mag-uumpisa ang tinatawag nating tunay na serbisyo, ang tunay na good governance, ang tunay na honest-to-goodness na matatawag nating pagseserbisyo sa taumbayan,” the legislator said.
“Dahil ang pinakamatindi sa lahat ay ang takot at paggalang sa Diyos. At pag meron tayo niyan, meron tayong paggalang sa isa’t isa. ‘Pag nagkaroon po tayo ng paggalang sa isa’t isa ibig sabihin ang pag-unlad ay susunod na po,” the lawmaker added.
The senator noted that even the 1987 Constitution begins with a “prayer” where the people seek the aid of God to build a just and humane society.
He added Filipinos have had a fear of God even before foreigners came to Philippine shores.
At the hearing, Padilla urged Department of Labor and Employment representatives to ensure workers’ right to practice their religion – such as prayer rooms for Muslims – will be respected and will not be a cause for discrimination.
“Nagkakaroon ng discrimination talaga, ‘yan ang nagiging problema. Sana mapalakas ng inyong opisina.”
“Nagkakaroon ng discrimination talaga, yan ang nagiging problema. Sana mapalakas ng inyong opisina. Meron tayong proteksyon sa lahat, ang nangyayari lang, napagdiskitahan,” he said.
Padilla likewise raised the possibility of penalizing those who will violate the Constitution’s provision on religious freedom.
“Siguro po yan ang linawin natin. Ano po ang kaparusahan doon sa mga talipandas na di magrerespeto doon sa pananampalataya ng isang tao?” he concluded.
