Is religion in PH politics a problem or part of the solution?

The 2022 national and local elections have resurfaced the dynamic but tense relationship between religion and politics in the Philippines. In this context, one may reasonably ask: Is religion a problem or part of the solution to improve politics in the country? Given that the 2022 polls may be a matter of life and death for our democratic system, it has become imperative to understand religion’s critical role in national politics and governance.

In a particular way, Filipino Catholics, who comprise the majority religion in this country, must answer the question. Perhaps more than ever, the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines poses a timely challenge for people to harness their faith in the political marketplace and use it as a force for transformative change.

First, there are some politicians who use religion for political mileage, while others criticize its use as proof of the Church meddling in affairs of the state. As if their guns, goons, and gold were not enough, traditional politicians inject “God-talk” into their campaign, sometimes even claiming to have heard God asking them to run for public office! Others have tried to project a religious persona by having campaign posters showing them in prayer, attending Mass, or organizing interfaith prayers to broaden their religious base. Some have sought the endorsement of religious sect leaders, or courted this denomination known to have a command vote over its members.

Second, there are bishops who customarily intervene in local elections, doing what Pope Benedict XVI had called the Church’s religious task of forming consciences for responsible citizenship. Believing that religion must not be confined to the private sphere of prayers and devotions, the prelates have made religion public by issuing pastoral letters to help members develop a more critical sense on political matters. However, as previous election results have shown, the so-called Catholic vote has remained a pipe dream.

Third, there are the voters who will ultimately decide the political fate of the candidates. On the one hand, they are vulnerable to traditional politicians armed with money and machinery to capture their votes. Before and during elections, voters who have been deprived of their economic rights would very likely abdicate their political rights for immediate monetary gain. On the other hand, they are generally inclined to believe that religious influence on governance and politics should be limited, and that religious leaders should not try to influence how people vote. Thus, in the parable of the sower of the seed, many voters may be likened to the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it and make it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).

From a sociological perspective, one may view the political behavior of the three actors as the interface of two distinct but interdependent systems, each influencing and being influenced by the other. For better or worse, politics has ramifications on religion, just as religion has equally important ramifications on politics.

NOEL ASIONES AND ORLANDO CANTILLON
Noel Asiones and Orlando Cantillon
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