Centuries after Spanish colonization, the Catholic Church continues to wield significant influence in politics and every day life in the Philippines.

1. BAHALA NA SA DIYOS
Justine Abigail Yu
Leave it to
God.
The Roman Catholic Church
in the Philippines
• 70 million Catholics, comprising 80.9% of the entire Filipino population
• Third largest Catholic nation in the world, behind only Brazil and Mexico
• The largest Catholic nation in South East Asia
Historical Roots
• Spanish colonization in the 16th century
• Evangelization of Catholicism to rescue the “backward”
native society from “uncivilized darkness”
“Separation” of Church and State
“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 cvil or political rights.” -- 1987 Philippine
Constitution: Article 3, Section 5
Distribution of Religion in the Philippine population
(2000 census)
“The separation of Church and State shall be
inviolable.” -- 1987 Constitution: Article 2, Section 6
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2. BAHALA NA SA DIYOS | LEAVE IT TO GOD.
People Power Revolution | The Church in Politics
“We
cannot
allow a
drop of
blood to
be
shed.”
-Cardinal Sin
• In 1983, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a pastoral letter
called “A Dialogue for Peace” condemning the repressive style of the Marcos dictatorship
• The Church’s Radio Veritas and Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin played a significantly
influential role in the movement against Marcos
• “The national problem is between the state and the people”
• Situating the Church as within the community of the people - the moral centre
• Cardinal Sin urged the people to vote in the snap election of 1986
• Mobilized 500,000 Filipinos to protect the polls
• On February 22, 1986, Lt. General Ramos and Defence Secretary Enrile withdrew their support of
the Marcos administration
• At 9PM, Cardinal Sin goes on air encouraging people to support the opposition and urging
Filipinos to take to the streets
• Calls for non-violent protests
Reproductive Health Care Bill | The Church in Society
• Proposes national funding for and access to modern
reproductive healthcare services and products
• Means of dealing with the rapid population growth - 2% a year
• The Philippines is currently the 12th most populous country
in the world
• Is a point of controversial debate, stalling in legislative debate
for nearly 15 years
• The CBCP is fiercely against the bill as it considers any form of
modern contraception as immoral
• has threatened to excommunicate politicians who support
the bill, including NoyNoy Aquino
Bahala Na Mindset | The Church in Culture
• Fatalistic mentality in the Philippines Filipino spirituality is one that helps the nation
• Bahala na sa Diyos, leave it to God
and cripples the nation all at the same time.
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