PNoy probes possible use of govt funds in building religious complex

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said they are now looking into the construction of a complex belonging to a religious order supposedly using government funds. He was quick to clarify that the religious order he was referring to was not the Catholic Church. “Government funds were used in the construction of this complex that belongs to another religious order which we are also studying and trying to determine whether or not there were violations," the President told reporters at a press briefing in Capiz province. “[It was] not the Catholic Church. That's what I want to emphasize," he said. He did not provide other details but he pointed out that “basically, government funds cannot be used for the promotion of a specific religion." “Now if there are charitable works done by any denomination, any Church without specifically advancing a particular religion, then that is allowable," he said. Amid the controversy brought by the sports utility vehicles donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to Catholic bishops, Aquino clarified that the government can still help the religious sects with their charity projects. “I'm sure that there is a method by which funds can be made available to those who are really helping their communities. We will find that particular mechanism whereby we can do it," he said. He cited Article VI, Section 29 (2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which provides for the separation of Church and State. “’Yung pinakaimportante dito, ‘yung provision that says for the use, benefit or support of any sect, Church, denomination, sectarian institution or system of knowledge or any preacher, minister or other. ‘No public money or property shall be appropriated’ ang umpisa noon," he said. “Ang talagang stress doon, para bang dapat walang state religion. So, therefore, pag pinondohan mo ang particular Church, you're advancing a particular religion," he explained. “That is in contravention to the constitutional provision. So, if it was turned over to the Social Action Center, ginamit ang ambulance, the purpose is other than advancing the religion, that's permissible." — MRT/VS, GMA News