Secularism In The Philippines
Secularism in the Philippines concerns the relationship of the Philippine government with religion. Officially the Philippines is a secular state, but religious institutions and religion play a significant role in the country's political affairs. Legal pluralism also persist with the application of Islamic personal laws for the country's Muslim population. The Philippine government follows the doctrine of "benevolent neutrality" which affirms accommodation of religious exercises is not necessarily contrary to the Constitution. History Spanish colonial era Catholicism served as a motive for the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century. The Philippines became a Spanish colony in 1565, following the Magellan expedition's stopover in the islands in 1521. Religion played a significant role in the colony's governance. Due to the distance of the Philippines from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain had to rely on network of Parish (Catholic Church), parishes and monastic or ...
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