The Philippines is one of the most religious nations in the world, with Christianity—particularly Catholicism—deeply woven into the national identity. We affirm that faith has a legitimate and essential role in public life, shaping the moral convictions of citizens and informing the pursuit of the common good.
Faith and Reason in the Public Square
The Catholic intellectual tradition holds that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory. As Pope St. John Paul II wrote in Fides et Ratio, "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth" (John Paul II, 1998, Introduction). Religious citizens have every right to bring their convictions into public discourse.
The Church's Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching provides a comprehensive framework for addressing political, economic, and social questions. Key principles include human dignity as the foundation of all social teaching, the common good as the purpose of political authority, subsidiarity, and solidarity.
Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees religious freedom: "No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (Article III, Section 5). This ensures all religions are free to flourish without state preference.
Our Vision
We affirm the legitimate role of faith in public life. We call on Catholics and other Christians to engage in civic life as informed citizens, bringing the wisdom of their traditions to bear on contemporary challenges. We defend religious freedom against those who would silence religious voices.
References
- Benedict XVI. (2006). Address to the Roman Curia. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Francis. (2015). Laudato si'. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Francis. (2020). Fratelli tutti. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- John Paul II. (1998). Fides et ratio. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Leo XIII. (1891). Rerum novarum. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Philippine Constitution. (1987). Article III, Section 5.