The Separation of Church and State

As the Lenten season draws near, the issue of whether or not the Catholic churches and other religious denominations, for that matter, will continue to hold masses or other relevant church activities at the government*s ten (10) percent mandated occupancy rate has become the devotees’ concern. This fact looms large in the face of the government’s warning that it will not hesitate to order the closure of the churches if the order is not observed. On the other hand, reports are that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), on orders of Bishop Broderick Pabillo, will continue to serve masses/observe Eucharistic Celebration despite the Duterte administration’s warning, as it did in Quiapo Church last Friday and today (Wednesday). As it turned out, the government did not make good its devious warning. From a legal point of view, the Philippine Constitution mandates the separation of Church and State. This fundamental principle enshrined in our Constitution cannot be disregarded by the State except when national security is involved or at risk. It is only then that the State may propitiously ban religious activities. Anyway, we are glad to note that no untoward incident occurred in Quiapo last week. As they say, all is well that ends well!.

The strong stand taken by the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte through our Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene Almendras in demanding that China observes our right over the West Philippine Sea as mandated by the UNCLOS deserves the kudos of every peace-loving Filipino. This strong stand was taken in the face of the alleged reports that more than 200 Chinese vessels are sailing the West Philippine Sea. We are also glad to note that the United States and the Japanese governments expressed their support on the stand taken by the Philippines to the chagrin of China’s leadership.

TRIVIA:

Greetings to Kgd. Fiel “Oying” Rosales one of the young and active members of Naga’s City Council. He is the son of Asst. City Prosecutor Rosales of Naga and my inanak sa binyag. His grandfather is my compadre and fellow member of the Knights of Columbus. District C-15, based on Virgin of Penafrancia Parish.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“EXTREMISM IN THE DEFENSE OF LIBERTY IS NO VICE ... MODERATION IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE IS NO VIRTUE.”

BARRY GOLDWATER

(Former U.S. Senator)

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“WOE TO THE REBELLIOUS CHILDREN, SAYS THE LORD, WHO CARRY OUT PLANS THAT ARE NOT MINE, WHO WEAVE WEBS THAT ARE NOT INSPIRED BY ME, ADDING SIN UPON SIN,”

ISAIAH 30:1