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Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello wants government to dislcose any deals it struck with the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) which led to the end of the massive protest actions launched the last few days in various parts of the country’s National Capital Region.
Bello told a news conference he is challenging government to disclose the details of the arrangement.
“Has the government retreated? Will the case filed by one of their members, will that no longer be pursued?” he asked.
Bello noted that if government retreats in this case, it means special interests can dictate on government.
He said that in order not to have rumors floating around, he is asking Malacanan to release the details of agreement to calm the public.
Bello said that the case of the INC is one where the separation of church and state applies because it involves the accusations of a Filipino citizen who happens to belong to a certain group.
He stressed it’s the government’s obligation to come in and investigate criminal complaints, regardless of religious affiliation.
“To invoke separation of church and state is a misrepresentation of the separation of church and state. What that would mean is, if there is a member of a religious organization who commits crime, exempt sila. That cannot be tolerated by our justice authorities…Kasi yan, special treatment na yan of a certain particular group. We cannot allow that because were a secular republic,” he explained.
WATCH: THE INC PROTEST THAT SHOOK UP METRO MANILA
Bello noted the events of the last few days have set a bad precedent since the group announced plans to paralyze traffic.
Bello said state did not move in response to the INC’s actions. He observed: “Marami tayong lessons dito. This administration doesn’t want to enforce the law. This administration is watchful of the interests of its own candidate Mr. Mar Roxas.”
He added, “It shows politicians are scared. Nobody has spoken out..INC might exact revenge at the polls [on elected officials who speak out].”
Text: RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
