Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declares separation of church and state. Article 3 forbids the government from passing any law concerning religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, guarantees free exercise of religion and forbids the use of any religious test for public office. Churches and religious institutions are tax-exempt. No public money may be spent in support of any religion. The teaching of religious classes in public schools is permitted with the written consent of the parent so long as provided there is no cost to the government. Religious organizations register with the Securities and Exchange Commission to apply for tax exemption.
Since March 2002 the government has been seeking to integrate madrasah education in Islamic areas into the national education system through a program entitled Education Through Peace and Progress. The program seeks to promote understanding between Muslim and Christian communities. Some have protested that this program contradicts the separation of Church and State.
The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has conducted a number of kidnappings and murders claiming that they are fighting for the establishment of an Islamic state in the southwestern region of the country. Islamic groups within the country have distanced themselves from this organization denying that it represents Islam. Most Muslims in the country do not desire a separate Muslim state but would like to see greater economic development and more opportunity for Muslims and Muslim majority areas.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been seeking to establish a separate Islamic state or at least greater autonomy from the government and there have been battles between the government and MILF forces in Mindanao.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Philippines
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