by Alex Roldan
Of late, some religious leaders have expressed interest in throwing their hat into the political arena, specifically in the contest for president of this republic. But Bishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen prophesied, that they can’t win.
The good bishop is clearly referring to Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Jesus is Lord Movement, and Rev. Ed Panlilio of the Roman Catholic Church. I was amazed when the bishop gave that statement. The people he was referring to have proven track records. In fact, they helped millions of souls follow the path to righteousness. Their characters are beyond reproach. They have shown that they exist for others, a critical attribute that our country desperately needs nowadays.Filipinos are known to be deeply religious. Many, if not most of us, would want to see a leader who believes in a “God-centered” approach in leading this country. We dream of a government that is made up of people who are not only honest but, most of all, morally upright. Simply said, we want a leader with a strong sense of God and whose only interest is for the good of everybody. It would be hypocritical of us not to admit that we seriously need a leader who is an honorable person. A leader who is incorruptible, a good example to others, and who is committed to serve the people and the nation. But, if we believe the bishop’s prophecy, then why can’t Filipinos choose religious leaders who must have the makeup of the type of a person who our nation desperately needs?
Bishop Cruz was quick to say, “They are not capable of running a government!” That managing a religious congregation is entirely different from managing a country.” Of course, the bishop did not forget the constitutional line that separates the church and the state.
However, I disagree that religious leaders would not know how to run a government. By the way, is there anybody among us, including the past presidents, who could assert that he or she is an expert in managing a country? Government is a constant experimentation in how to run a nation. Thus, each leader is distinct in the way how he or she manages a country. The electorate’s task is to set standards and find the right people who can measure up to those standards, therefore it is only proper that religious leaders should be given the opportunity to prove themselves.
But on the other hand, I agree with the bishop that it is extremely difficult for religious leaders to win in elections for government positions, especially as president of the republic. From our country’s past experiences, the religious leaders’ waterloo in every political battle is their position as leader of a religious group or congregation.
It is not easy to admit it, but religion is creating a deep split among the people of this country. Despite the potentials, many would simply switch standards and support for the simple reason that the individual who has the qualities of a good leader happens to be a leader of another religious group, especially if that individual comes from their `competitor’ in the soul-saving business!
Will the followers of Bro. Eddie Villanueva vote for Bro. Mike Velarde in case the former decides not to run for president, or vice versa? In the same manner, will other Christian denominations and protestants vote for Fr. Ed Panlilio? There may be some who will defy their group’s stance, but a large-scale inter- religious support for a candidate who is at the same time leader of a rival sect is simply improbable.
Let us not forget that majority of Filipinos belong to different Christian sects and they compete with each other for converts for the survival of their own group!
Of course, our elected officials are also members of religious organizations, and some are even devout believers of their faiths, but they do not represent their groups. They may seek “anointment” from large religious organizations, but it is more of a political stunt by candidates to give a semblance of numerical advantage they hope will create a bandwagon effect. Religious division among voters can only happen if religious leaders seek political positions — especially if the position wields vast political power. It is simply a survival instinct!
What our religious leaders can do instead, is to help make the next election credible. They have ample human resources they can mobilize towards that end so that people will still believe in our political system. Religious leaders running for political office simply cannot win!
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