What Happened to the Wall?

Yes, everyone's been talking about it, but very few people understand it. So before the issue becomes moot and academic, let me voice out my opinion.

Inspired by the excellent explanation of the jester-in-exile and the beautiful words of Marocharim, I would also like to share my view on the very popular House Bill 16, a.k.a. the Reproductive Health Bill.

My commentary however, will not dwell on the pros and cons of wearing a rubber glove on one's---for lack of a better word---dick, but will go higher up to the ultimate source of the problem: The Wall.

Of course I'm not talking about Pink Floyd's psychedelic masterpiece. I'm talking about what James Madison proposed two centuries ago. There should be in fact a wall of separation between the Church and the State. It is my firm belief that it would be best if we interpreted this literally, like really putting up a brick wall that should stand between the town church and the municipal building. But of course most people will not agree, and so I'd have to settle for a figurative wall, which is sort of like the wall you put up when you're in the same room with someone you really hate and you're not on speaking terms with.

This wall of separation, though invisible, should still be felt by everyone. It must be clear to each and every citizen that the State is perfectly free from any strings that might be pulled by the clergy. And what is the clearest way to show it but through the laws that the legislators pass?

That's why I do not look favorably at Father Ed Panlilio, a Catholic priest, holding the post of Pampanga governor. Although there is still no cause for alarm, his election could be a signal for all the other clergymen to start immersing themselves in State affairs. And unless they are able to cut off all their ties with the Church, I believe they might pose a greater danger in the running of this country than all the actors in Congress combined.