PALATINO: No more religious icons in government offices
CATHOLICS: Son of Lucifer!
Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond
Palatino, in filing a measure titled “Religious Freedom in Government
Offices Act,” said his bill seeks to empower heads of offices and
departments to strictly follow the constitutional provision on the
freedom of religion in the exercise of their official functions, and in
the use of government facilities and property.
“The constitutional provision asserts
the republican and secular nature of the state, such that although laws
could be religious in its deepest roots, it must have an articulable and
discernible secular purpose and justification to pass scrutiny of the
religion clauses,” he said.
Under Section 4 of the bill, religious
ceremonies shall not be undertaken within the premises and perimeter of
their offices, departments and bureaus, including publicly owned spaces
and corridors within such offices, departments and bureaus.
“Religious symbols shall not be
displayed within the premises and perimeter of their offices,
departments and bureaus, including publicly owned spaces and corridors
within such offices, departments and bureaus,” the measure stated.
Palatino cited Section 5 of the
Constitution’s Bill of Rights that “the free exercise and enjoyment of
religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference,
shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the
exercise of civil or political rights.”
“Recognizing the religious nature of the
Filipinos and the elevating influence of religion in society, however,
the Philippine Constitution’s religion clauses prescribe not a strict
but a benevolent neutrality,” Palatino said.
He said “benevolent neutrality”
recognizes that government must pursue its secular goals and interests
but at the same time strive to uphold religious liberty to the greatest
extent possible within flexible constitutional limits.
“However, despite the clear provisions
and jurisprudence on the non-establishment and non-sponsorship of the
state of any religion, it has been observed that religious ceremonies
and symbols are prominently done or placed, respectively, in several
government offices,” the lawmaker said.
He noted that religious ceremonies are
also undertaken preparatory to the conduct of state affairs, such as the
recital of ecumenical prayers before court hearings, flag ceremonies,
government meetings, among others.
“The state cannot be seen to favor one
religion over the other, in allowing the prominent conduct and display
of religious ceremonies and symbols, respectively, in public offices and
property,” Palatino
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