A party-list lawmaker has lauded the approval at the committee level of a bill protecting the right of the public to freedom of religion.
Rep. Eddie Villanueva of CIBAC was referring to House Bill 2213, or the proposed Magna Carta on Religious Freedom Act, that was approved by the House Committee on Human Rights last Tuesday. The bill was approved on 3rd reading during the previous 18th Congress.
The measure provides for an implementing law that will protect and promote the right of Filipinos to choose their religion.
“With this bill, Filipinos will be encouraged to pursue spiritual growth by affording them the freedom to conduct their lives in accordance with their faith or religious belief without the fear of persecution, threat, or punishment,” Villanueva said in his sponsorship speech.
“Moreover, this measure also aims to promote a free market of religious ideas in the country where no religion is suppressed or quelled over the other. By leveling the playing field for the propagation of different religions, Filipinos are afforded the full spectrum of varying faiths and the freedom to choose to which they will subscribe,” he added. Maricel V. Cruz
However, the CIBAC legislator also clarified that the bill recognizes limitations to religious freedom. Accordingly, it can be denied, regulated, burdened, or curtailed if an action results to violence, or inflicts or poses to inflict direct or indirect physical or material harm or danger on other people, or infringe on their own freedom of religion or conscience, or is necessary to protect public safety, public order, health, property and good morals.
The House human rights committee has recommended the bill for plenary deliberation.
