The problem called Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao’s use of Jesus’s crucifixion as an argument in favor of the re-implementation of death penalty is disturbing. I am not disturbed by his naïve if not shallow biblical interpretation. In the first place, Pacquiao is a boxer by training and not an exegete of the Holy Book. What for me is disturbing is the fact that he is a lawmaker of a country that adheres to the principle of the separation of Church and State.

As a senator, he ought to know that law is the highest expression of the people’s rational consensus. Therefore, legislations are made because it is the state’s approximate expression of its democratic philosophy and principle of equity. Laws are created for the common good. Thus, laws in a democratic society are mainly based on reason and not sectarian convictions.

The state allows the free exercise of religion but it does not support any religion or belief at the expense of the marginalization of other beliefs. Defenders of this dctrine have spoken loudly against the interference of religion in the secular realm.

It was during the deliberations of the controversial Reproductive Health Law that the Philippines has asserted and advanced its ability to create legislations which, no matter how morally controversial, are reasonably for the benefit of the people. The Neda director deneral had said that the Church should not talk about matters where it has no competence.

Unfortunately, Pacquiao, an ally of the Duterte administration, should also be told of the same.

Pacquiao could be well meaning in trying to prove his stand on the issue of death penalty. But in the process he has committed a serious offense against our country’s principle as a secular and democratic State. He belongs to a species of politicians who are very good in accusing the Church of interference in political affairs and yet exploit religion whenever it is to their advantage.

It seems that he lacks enough lecture or at the very least a simply briefing that the Senate is not a place for Pop-Gospel preaching or a simple crash course in Biblical interpretation.

At the end of the day, Pacquiao will favor the re-imposition of capital punishment. But I hope he will do so as a legislator armed with arguments that are based on research rather than religious fundamentalism. I hope he will show mercy and compassion first as a statesman and not as an evangelist wannabe.--