The highest official of the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III preached about the separation of the church and state, saying that the government should not favor any religion. The statement of the President came amidst the recent controversy involving the alleged abduction of a former INC minister.
President Aquino’s statement was released during the thanksgiving celebration and national assembly of the Tarlac First Baptist Church. He was quoted as saying “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.
“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.
Although there’s a separation of the church and the state, the President also noted that the government should not shrug off state issues such as poverty and injustice.
Pres. 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.