MANILA: As the Philippines approaches its 2025 national elections, a recent Pew Research Center survey featured in a recent Philstar report has revealed that a majority of Filipinos believe the Bible should significantly influence national laws.

This insight highlights the strong intersection between religion and governance in the nation, offering a glimpse into the potential impact of religious values on the political landscape.

Majority of Filipinos advocate for the Bible’s influence on legislation

The survey found that 51% of Filipinos think the Bible should have a “great deal” of influence on national legislation, while an additional 30% believe it should exert a “fair amount” of influence. Only 14% of respondents feel it should have minimal influence, and a small 11% argue that it should not influence at all.

Pew’s findings indicate a broader global trend where middle-income countries, such as the Philippines, tend to show stronger support for the role of religion in governance compared to wealthier nations. In contrast, people in high-income countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and France are more likely to favour minimal or no influence of religious texts on national laws.

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Religion’s pivotal role in Philippine society and national identity

The survey also revealed that 85% of Filipinos believe religion is beneficial to society, surpassing the global average of 77% from 36 surveyed countries. This suggests that, in the Philippines, religion is viewed not just as a spiritual guide but as a crucial societal asset. Furthermore, 59% of Filipinos consider it “very important” for national leaders to share their religious beliefs, underscoring the close link between faith and leadership in the nation.

Religion also plays a significant role in the Filipino sense of national identity. A striking 73% of Filipinos believe religion is essential to being truly Filipino, the highest percentage among Christian-majority nations. This reflects the deeply ingrained connection between faith and cultural identity, especially in comparison to countries like Spain (71%), Sweden (69%), and France (61%), where religion is less intertwined with national identity.

As attitudes toward religion’s role in governance continue to evolve globally, the Philippines stands as a unique example of religious nationalism, where faith not only influences personal lives but also has a strong presence in shaping political ideologies and national values.