Monday, November 27, 2006 Speak Out: Separation of church and state By Pedro Botros Banilad, Cebu City
I NORMALLY don’t agree with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s histrionics, but I totally support him for chastising and calling the resignation of Schools Division Superintendent Leonilo Oliva for the conduct of a religious activity at a public school, which resulted in an alleged abuse of some female students.
The main issue here (though it doesn’t mean the alleged abuse of students is a lesser issue) is the separation of church and state, which is in the Philippine Constitution.
The Constitution forbids public schools from espousing any religion in any form. It also bans the display of religious icons, including calendars and crucifixes.
By allowing the conduct of a religious activity at a public school, Oliva defied the Constitution. In other words, he broke the law.
I’m just afraid the issue will be muddled by Osmeña’s brand of logic. His heart and mind are in the right place, but his mouth betrays his ignorance of the issue (and his need to read more often).
Religiosity and concern for youth morality does not equate religious fanaticism. By eliminating the divide, the mayor inadvertently accused as fanatics parents and officials who are concerned about their children’s morality.
Unfortunately for the mayor, that makes a lot of fanatics in the city.
