Political Law, 2016 Bar — Question XV

QUESTION

Congress passed a bill appropriating PlOObillion. Part of the money is to be used for the purchase of a 200-hectare property in Antipolo. The rest shall be spent for the development of the area and the construction of the Universal Temple for All the World’s Faiths (UTAW-F). When completed, the site will be open, free of charge, to all religions, beliefs, and faiths, where each devotee or believer shall be accommodated and treated in a fair and equal manner, without distinction, favor, or prejudice. There will also be individual segments or zones in the area which can be used for the conduct of whatever rituals, services, sacraments, or ceremonials that may be required by the customs or practices of each particular religion. The President approved the bill, happy in the thought that this could start the healing process of our wounded country and encourage people of varied and often conflicting faiths to live together in harmony and in peace. If the law is questioned on the ground that it violates Sec. 5, Article III of the Constitution that “no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” how will you resolve the challenge? Explain. (5%)

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