<P> Freedom of religion in the Philippines is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Philippines . </P> <P> The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declares: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable . (Article II, Section 6), and, No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed . No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights . (Article III, Section 5)... </P> <P> The Supreme Court of the Philippines, ruling in 2003 and 2006 in the landmark case of Estrada vs. Escritor, established the doctrine of benevolent neutrality - accommodation . The 2006 ruling, penned by former Chief Justice Puno, explained benevolent - neutrality in the context of U.S. jurisprudence as follows: </P> <P> Under the benevolent - neutrality theory, the principle underlying the First Amendment is that freedom to carry out one's duties to a Supreme Being is an inalienable right, not one dependent on the grace of legislature . Religious freedom is seen as a substantive right and not merely a privilege against discriminatory legislation . With religion looked upon with benevolence and not hostility, benevolent neutrality allows accommodation of religion under certain circumstances . </P>

Separation of the church and state in the philippines