Republic of the Philippines

Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology

Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines

Noelle Sophie U. Baroman

GEC106 A2-1

Based on the three articles given, write your short critique on the following items:

1. What is your stand about Pura Luka Vega's impersonation of Jesus Christ?
At the heart of the controversy is the fundamental principle of freedom of
expression. In a democratic society that values individual liberties, it is imperative to
protect the right to express oneself, even when it may be offensive to some. This
principle should apply equally to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or sexual
orientation. Pura Luka Vega's performance is a form of self-expression, and as long as it
does not incite violence or hatred, it should be protected. Suppressing such expressions
not only infringes on individual rights but also stifles the diversity that enriches our
society.
The concept of morality varies from person to person, culture to culture, and
religion to religion. In a pluralistic society, it is essential to recognize the difference
between religious morality and secular morality. While religious morality is subjective
and tied to specific belief systems, secular morality is the collective set of values that
we, as a society, have agreed upon. When it comes to determining the prevailing norms
of conduct, secular morality should take precedence over religious morality. Laws and
public policies must be shaped by what is reasonable and acceptable to the majority of
citizens, rather than by the doctrines of specific faiths. This ensures that the rights of all
individuals are protected, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
In a society that upholds freedom of expression, individuals have the right to
express opinions and ideas that may be offensive to others. The offense, in this context,
is subjective and varies from person to person. What one person finds offensive,
another may not. It is impossible to create a universally acceptable standard for what
constitutes offensive content. If we were to censor and penalize every form of
 Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines

expression that someone finds offensive, we would severely limit our ability to engage in
open and honest dialogue. Pura Luka Vega's performance may have offended some
Catholics, but that does not justify suppressing her right to express herself.
In a diverse and pluralistic society, it is crucial to protect the freedom of
expression, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or religious beliefs.
Public and secular morality should be the guiding principles for determining prevailing
norms of conduct. Drag is not a crime, and Pura Luka Vega's right to self-expression
should be respected and defended. Suppressing artistic and creative expression
ultimately harms the fabric of our society, limiting our potential for growth,
understanding, and empathy.

2. What is the significant role of the Church in our Philippine government system?
In the first reading, Villegas highlights the dissonance between the Lord's Prayer,
which asks for God's name to be hallowed and for forgiveness, and the behavior of
those who engage in hate speech, gossip, corruption, and violence. In this perspective,
the Church plays a role in guiding individuals to live in accordance with their faith's
values. In the second reading, Molo discusses the complexities of free speech and its
boundaries, emphasizing that the right to offend should be balanced with the right to
take offense. In this context, the Church can be seen as a moral guide and influencer on
how people exercise their freedom of speech and expression. The third reading
highlights the controversy surrounding Pura Luka Vega's performance and how it
offends religious sentiments. It points out the question of whether there is a
constitutional "right" to offend and the nuances of free speech in the Philippines. The
reading references the role of the Church in these matters, particularly its stance
against blasphemy and its criticism of vulgarity and blasphemy perpetuated by political
leaders during Duterte's presidency.
 Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines

In summary, the role of the Church in the Philippine government system is to

provide moral and ethical guidance, shape individual and societal behavior, and
advocate for social justice issues. The Church can influence how individuals express
their faith and engage in public discourse, such as the debate surrounding freedom of
speech and artistic expression. The Church's position on these issues can vary,
reflecting the diverse perspectives within the faith community.