PH Reaffirms Commitment to Right to Religious Freedom in DC Ministerial Meeting

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella heads the Philippine delegation to the First Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom held at the United States State Department on 26 July 2017.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 30 July 2018 — Around 80 government and international organization representatives from all over the world met at the first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, hosted by United State Secretary of State Michael Pompeo at the U.S. State Department on 26 July 2018.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella headed the Philippine delegation to the Ministerial, joined by Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.’s Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick A. Chuasoto and Minister for Political and Legislative Affairs Rosanna Villamor-Voogel.

“The Philippines protects the human right to freedom of religion or belief of all its citizens. This commitment is enshrined in our Constitution and reflected in our laws, policies, standards and guidelines, and Supreme Court decisions pertaining to freedom of religion or belief,” Undersecretary Abella said in his remarks during the third plenary session.

“We are pleased that both chambers of our Congress have ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law. This law seeks to establish a political entity called the Bangsamoro, a recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and aspiration of Muslim Filipinos and all indigenous cultural communities in the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao,” he added.

Undersecretary Abella also spoke about the major battle between the government forces and ISIS-inspired Maute Group in Marawi City in Mindanao last year, and reiterated the Philippine government’s efforts “to helping Marawi rise as a prosperous city again.”

“Our government has set a long-term vision for our people – a strongly-rooted, comfortable, and secure life. We envision the Philippines as a high-trust society where families thrive in vibrant, culturally diverse, and resilient communities,” the Undersecretary concluded.

The First Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom discussed the challenges in advancing the human right to religious freedom, and identified concrete ways to fight worldwide religious persecution and discrimination.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivered the opening remarks of the meeting, where he underscored that religious freedom is a top priority of the administration of President Donald J. Trump. END

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