Sinulog: Convergence of State and Church

Is our Sinulog in Cebu a religious or a government activity? And, if you will, the same question can be asked about the Kadayawan of Davao, the Dinagyang of Iloilo, the Ati-Atihan of Aklan, and all the other festivals in the country. If it is purely a religious activity, then what is the legal justification of local government units allocating and spending public funds to finance them? Would the Commission on Audit pass in audit the expenses along this line? If it is a government tourism activity, then why is the Church handling the management of the activities?

There is no clear and definite answer to this ticklish question. Even the Supreme Court perhaps would find it difficult to resolve the true and essential nature of these festivities. The government can very well claim that the Sinulog and other festivities and rites have evolved from purely religious activities into a public function, partaking of the character of a tourism activity. The Sinulog and its counterparts in other provinces and cities are attracting thousands, if not millions of tourists. Thus, provinces and cities do allocate and spend public funds to be used in celebrating these festivals. In turn, tourists bring in a lot of income to our local businesses.

It would be useful indeed to our law community if and when some members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines would file an appropriate special proceeding before the Supreme Court in order to test the legal waters and, in the process, enrich the Philippine jurisprudence. For instance, the Filipino Muslims, who are also taxpayers, may go to Court to seek to prohibit any allocation and expense of tax money to promote a Christian and Catholic activity. The other religious congregations may also try to raise issues on the matter. The ultimate question is, how would the Court most probably rule on the matter?

In the past, there were many attempts on the part of minority religious groups to legally attack the validity of government acts in support of Catholic and other religious activities. For instance, a case was filed to question the use of public funds in printing postage stamps depicting the face of the Pope. The same was however junked by a Catholic-dominated highest court because, and we agree, the Pope is not only a religious leader. He is also a head of State, and we have diplomatic relations with Vatican, the nation he represents.

In our country, there is a very thin boundary between religion and politics. Our history as a nation and as a people is a history of convergence between the State and the Church. When Magellan came to Cebu to colonize our land in the name of the Crown of Spain, and made treaty with Rajah Humabon to fulfill his political mission, he also had his wife and whole household baptized. He came and was received by our forefathers not only as a political and military conqueror, but also as a religious figure bringing both the sword and the cross into our land. Although Rizal portrayed the unholy alliance between Kapitan Tiago and Padre Damaso in the negative light, it was really the other side of the truth.

The truth is that until today, our modern Kapitan Tiagos and Padre Damasos continue to collaborate, whether it is for the good or the not-so-good objectives. Politicians even use the Holy Mass to gain political mileage. The pulpits are often used for or against many political and government concerns. From the time of Cardinal Sin up to now, the bishops and the clergy have freely criticized the government. And government continues to grin and bear it.

Some religious leaders who have big congregations even invite candidates to be on their stage in major religious rallies. Pres. Noy and Vice President Binay prominently attended our celebration for San Pedro Calungsod.  The Cardinals are invited too in Malacañang in major State functions.  Are these good or bad for the country? I see nothing wrong but it is not for us to judge. Only God knows what are inside their hearts. Suffice it to say that the large majority of our people do not mind. The people are both political and spiritual beings. If the Church and the State would converge for their good, and not to harm them, then let it be. God works in mysterious ways. And so, “PIT SENOR”  to one and all.