EDITORIAL - Of religion and politics

Filipinos are known to be deeply religious. In every thing they do, they always pray for divine guidance.

A Pinoy worker, for example, would always pray before going through with steel bars at a construction site. Even after calling it a day, the worker would never forget to pray before going to bed.

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao largely attributed his success to his faith in God. In many instances before trading punches with his opponents, he was seen by millions worldwide secluded in a corner praying the moment he got into the ring.       

Prayers may move mountains for some. But for the world's pound-for-pound champion, it was his religious ritual in the ring that has been knocking dozens of his opponents out.  

From going through their daily chores to competing in sports and politics, Filipinos would always display their religious side. Churches and religious sites have even become the favorite launching pad for local and national candidates in their campaigns.  

When the local campaign period started last Friday, hundreds of local candidates had attended Masses before barnstorming various barangays. Candidates of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan and Kugi Uswag Sugbo trooped to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral before plunging into a hectic schedule of campaigning in Cebu City barangays.      

In Mandaue City, bets from Nagkahiusang Mandauehanon were shown flashing "no. 1" sign inside the Saint Joseph Parish Church where they attended a Mass to open their campaign.

Even reelectionist Governor Gwendolyn Garcia kicked off her campaign with a Mass at a historic church in Dumanjug with administration presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro.

It seems the country's survival is anchored on Filipinos' being deeply religious. But does religion hold the key to prosperity for Filipinos shackled by extreme poverty since Spain introduced Christianity in the country?    

Yes prayer has always been a vital part to the Filipino way of life. And in this country dubbed as Asia's bastion of Christianity, it's no longer a wonder why religion can always rub elbows with politics.