House panel OKs Magna Carta of Religious Freedom
The Manila Bulletin | December 2, 2020, 3:29 PM
The House Committee on Human Rights approved Wednesday a potential landmark measure that seeks
to institutionalize religious freedom for Filipinos.
The House panel approved the substitute bill on House Bill (HB) No.6538, or the proposed Act protecting
the right of the people to freedom of religion in the Philippines guaranteed under Section 5, Article 3 of
the 1987 Constitution.
Jesus is Lord Church founder, Deputy Speaker Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva, penned the measure,
which carried the short title, “Magna Carta of Religious Freedom.”
Section 5, Article 3 of the Charter states that: “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. 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.”
Villanueva, in his sponsorship speech before the panel, pointed out that a comprehensive enabling law
that seeks to flesh out this constitutional guarantee has yet to be passed in Congress.
“Your honor, I’m talking about a legislation that promotes free market of ideas for all faith communities
to be able to promulgate their religious beliefs and healthy practices in a violence and menace-free
environment. This bill otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Religious Freedom seeks to do just that
by identifying religious freedom rights, and providing prohibitions against the curtailing of such rights,”
said the solon representing CIBAC party-list.
“This is also a recognition of the tension that exists in religious freedom in the world. In a report by the
think-tank PEW Research Center in 2019 showed that the harassment of religious groups and persons
continue to be reported in more than 90 percent of countries, including the Philippines,” he said.
Villanueva notes that harassment ranging from actions such as verbal abuse to physical violence and
killings have been documented. “This must not be the case.”
The bill identifies the following as rights to religious freedom: The right to choose a religion or religious
community, the right to profess religious belief and practice religious acts, the right to propagate
religious beliefs, the right to disseminate religious publications, the right to organizational
independence, the right to freedom against discrimination in employment, and the right to tax
exemption.
Based on the original bill filed, any person or corporation who violates the religious freedom rights shall
be slapped with the penalties for the first violation, a fine of not less than P50,000 but not exceeding
P100,000, or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than two years, or both at the
court’s discretion; and for any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than P100,000 but not exceeding
P200,000, or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than two years, or both at the
court’s discretion.
“To strike a balance, this bill also recognizes the limitations on each free exercise which applies on any
act that threatens safety, order, property, and morals; inflicts danger to individuals and groups or
infringes on limitations already prescribed by existing laws, such as prohibitions on same-sex marriage
and the like,” Villanueva said.
[Villanueva 01]
Revision of Laws panel chairperson Zambales Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla moved for the approval of
the “landmark” substitute measure after a 50-minute discussion of its provisions. She said that everyone
present concerned with the bill’s contents.
Human Rights panel chairman, Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay, subsequently carried the motion.
Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay
Freedom of thought, religion, speech, conscience, expression is enshrined in the constitution -
Art 22 ASEAN human rights declaration, Art 18 UDHR
Widespread of intolerance to religion and practices which does not conform to personal beliefs
Myanmar - violations against the Rohingya, genocide and ethnic cleansing
To protect our state of diverse faith
The right does not extend on the absolute acts to commit violations against laws, public morals
and public policy
Freedom is endangered when the government controls it.
[Suntay] video
Anak Mindanao Representative Amy Sangcopan
Public discourse for various platforms, directed at minorities such as Muslims
Hate speech, discriminating statements that promote hostility
Hurtful communication through discriminatory language
Online are the most rampant ones
Most horrific is in Christchurch New Zealand, gunmen killed 51
El Paso Texas 23 dead all by reason of hatred on basis of religion
Let us educate our people about diversity, respect and equality
[Sangcopan] video
Bishop Reuben Abante
We need to balance the provisions
As a pastor, branded to incite hatred in spreading God’s Word
Rom. 1:27-32, - condemns homosexuality
It would appear to incite hatred against homosexuals
Add provision about officiating marriage
Misconception that authority to officiate came from the government
[Abante01]
Villanueva
In case of contradiction between government policy against religious freedom…
If religious groups have basis and valid ground to question the government rule, religious
freedom must prevail
If not based on facts, but on whimsical motivations
[Villanueva02]
