Separation of church and state: the party-list system and religious sects in the Philippines (an analysis of the legitimacy and performance of Buhay and Cibac party-list groups in relation to section 6.1 of the party-list system act of 1995)

Abstract

This paper will therefore focus on the implications of the presence in the party-list system of party-list groups and representatives who are affiliated with major religious organizations in the Philippines. It will deal primarily on Buhay Hayaang Yumabong (BUHAY) and Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC), two of the elected party-list groups in the 2007 elections, which are known to be related to two religious groups in the country. It will try to analyze these groups' agenda, legitimacy and performance, and at the same time examine the soundness of the implementation of the Party-List System Act of 1995.[Introduction]