The Church, ERAP and the People

Just yesterday, former President ERAP bares his plan to run for the 2010 presidential elections. This is in reaction to call from the people of the church to abandon his plans. It is clear with what Bishop Martin Jumoad said, that they would prefer "new breed" of political leaders than stick to a deposed president.

However, there is one thing clear here. ERAP is still being considered by the people. There is clamor that is why he is considering the possibility to run for 2010. I must admit, I was never really a big fan and supporter of ERAP, but through the years I can say that he really is an icon to millions of Filipinos. In a democratic world, we cannot discredit the millions who voted for him- at least not in idea and not in essence.

In this aspect, I would agree with ERAP to say to those Bishops and religious leaders that in the end, it is the people who should decide. Not the church, not ERAP... the people.

Maybe it is time for us to realize, that this country, since the time of Cory Aquino, has been majorly influenced by the Catholic Church. Given that most of Filipinos are Roman Catholics, we still have not been able to differentiate in practice, the interests of the secular political dimension of politics to that of the socio-moral stand of religion. There is indeed a conflict of interest here.

We need to learn the lessons of the past and mature as a country, as a nation. But if we are always dictated by the church, what else could be the power of the people? If it is their right to vote and choose their best candidate, then the church should respect that right- whoever they may choose.

Let us not let these self-righteous religious people rob us of our right and freedom to choose. Let us make a stand that not everything should be dictated by the church.