Amid INC case, PNoy says gov't must not favor any religion

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday preached about the separation of church and state, saying the government should not favor any religion.

"Sa atin pong Saligang Batas nakasaad ang pagkakahiwalay ng simbahan at ng estado. Ayon po rito, kaakibat ng kalayaan sa pananampalataya, wala ring dapat kilingang relihiyon ang estado," Aquino said during the thanksgiving celebration and national assembly of the Tarlac First Baptist Church.

"Dito pumapasok ang nakasaad sa aklat ni Mark, kabanata 12, bersikulo 17 kung saan sinabi ni Hesus: 'Ibigay ninyo kay Caesar ang kay Caesar at sa Diyos ang sa Diyos at sila’y namangha sa kanya,'" he added.

But while the separation of church and state should be upheld, Aquino said the church should not shrug off state issues such as poverty and injustice.

"Kaya po sumasang-ayon ako sa aral ng Second Vatican Council ng simbahang kinabibilangan ko. Ayon po rito, mahalagang pakialaman ang buhay sa mundo dahil ito ang gumagabay sa atin sa landas patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan," Aquino said.

"Ang hamon sa atin ng Bibliya, sa halip na makuntento sa pagbibigay ng limos, dapat nating labanan ang sistemang ugat ng kawalang-katarungan at paghihirap ng kapwa," the president added.

Aquino made the remarks about the separation of church and state as the government continues to resolve the alleged abduction of expelled Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ministers.

In August, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the investigation of the alleged kidnapping and detention of Isaias Samson, whom the INC leadership has expelled for allegedly exposing corruption in the religious group.

On Friday, the Supreme Court also issued writs of habeas corpus and amparo to compel the INC to present Lowell Menorca II, another expelled minister who was allegedly abducted and detained.

INC members have earlier decried the government's actions. Calling for the separation of church of state, thousands flocked to EDSA to stage a protest against the DOJ probe, saying the government should not interfere with the affairs of their church.

On Saturday, Malacañang said INC officials accused in the alleged abduction of former ministers are assured of due process.

"Whatever is in the law, that is what will be followed," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

However, Valte clarified that the case was not against the INC church but against some of its leaders.

"It was filed against certain individuals in their individual capacities," she said. - Louis Bacani