Manila Archbishop Rosales open to ‘religion tax’

Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales wants Congress to pass a law collecting a "religion tax" to help maintain public hospitals and schools, and help people earn a livelihood.

Speaking during a pastoral visit at San Lazaro chapel in Manila yesterday, Rosales said a "religion tax" has been successfully collected in Germany and Italy.

"There is a difference between taxing religion and the ‘religion tax,’" he said. "I want politicians to be forward thinking."

Rosales said people, especially politicians must have an open mind to progressive ideas like the "religion tax" being collected in Europe.

"I want to have a dialogue with some politicians who are open to it," he said.

Rosales said based on the system of "religion tax" collected in Europe, part of taxes people pay are returned to churches, mosques and religious groups –not for their benefit –but for "development programs" for the people.

"The money will not be for the building of churches, convents or seminaries," he said. — Nikko Dizon