Strange convergence between religion and politics
President Benigno Aquino III and his anointed one, the LP presidential candidate Mar Roxas attended the other day a grand religious function of El Shaddai, presided by the colorful high priest and self-proclaimed evangelist, Brother Mike Velarde. That particular presidential presence, just like the extensive and intensive government participation in the reception of Pope Francis a few months ago, highlights the state's convergence with the church on church affairs, as well as the church's convergence with the state in secular issues. In this country, most religious leaders do not hesitate to play politics and government officials are not shy in courting the support of many religious congregations.
The appointment of Tesda's Director-General Joel Villanueva could not have been made possible, if not for the strong influence of the Jesus Is Lord Movement to the Aquino government. Brother Eddie Villanueva run against Aquino in 2010 and garnered a respectable number of votes, which might have earned for the JIL the grudging respect of the president. By putting Villanueva in Tesda, with a cabinet rank, the president has been assured of the JIL support in the 2013 mid-term elections. Such support, together with EL Shaddai's was really aimed at neutralizing the block voting of the Iglesia Ni Cristo because the INC has become exceedingly influential in government decisions and appointments. But with the charges against Villanueva now, this alliance may break.
Ever since the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, the INC has been very visible in many political contests. Its leaders, starting from the founder, Ka Felix Manalo, to the anointed son, Ka Erdy or Erano Manalo, until the current Executive Minister, grandson of Ka Felix, the incumbent Ka Eduardo Manalo, have been openly supporting both national and local candidates. It is even revealed during the height of the current controversies inside the INC that there are allegations of pay-offs in exchange for such partisan endorsement and support. It has been reported that President Aquino, and former presidents Gloria Arroyo and Erap Estrada were all supported by the INC. With the current troubles in INC, the administration may be affected by way of collateral damage.
A very eloquent preacher Apollo Quiboloy and his Kingdom of God Church in Davao has also been courted by many politicians. This evangelist has a solid following and commands the absolute loyalty and obedience of his hundreds of thousands followers. But there is a report on investigations concerning controversial sale of infected fruits.
On the other hand, in the island province of Dinagat, off the Surigao provinces is the vanishing but still strong PBMA of the late Ruben Ecleo. This group was able to secure the political dominance of the Ecleo family which dominated politics in that province and in the mainland. But then it was shaken by a criminal charge of parricide against its current head. There are a number of other congregations, including FVR's and Chief Justice Renato Puno's United Church of Christ.
In fact, the Philippine Independent Church or the Aglipayan Church, which was founded by Don Gregorio Aglipay and his friend Don Isabelo delos Reyes, was a general denunciation of the many abuses by the Spanish friars and whatever remained of their unjust, oppressive and scheming ways in using the church in controlling the government then. The Catholic Church, until today, in varying degrees across dioceses and parishes, still continue to intervene in many government decisions, appointments and policies. Fr Joaquin Bernas and Sister Christine Tan were among those who framed the 1987 Constitution. Today, Brother Armin Luistro of De La Salle heads the Education portfolio in the Cabinet.
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