MANILA, Philippines — CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva expressed his hope that the incoming Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) will support his proposal to display the Ten Commandments in every school across the country.

The statement from the CIBAC lawmaker follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement that he will announce the new DepEd Secretary, who will succeed Vice President and former DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, by the end of June. Duterte stepped down from her position as Secretary of Education on June 19, 2024.

“I will propose to the new DepEd Secretary the posting of the Ten Commandments in our schools in order to promote the spiritual and moral well-being of the Filipino youth as mandated by the Constitution. This is a fitting initiative for schools as complementary institution of the church in strengthening the moral fiber of our youth. I hope the incoming DepEd head will support it,” Bro. Eddie explained.

Representative Bro. Eddie advocates for teaching fundamental beliefs to children, believing this would contribute to a harmonious society where individuals coexist peacefully and cooperatively. In such a society, there is mutual respect, unity, a general sense of well-being, and efforts to address inequalities while promoting inclusivity and understanding.

“The Bible states in Proverbs 22:6 that when we teach our children foundational values during their formative years, guiding them towards becoming God-centered and humane citizens, they will carry those lessons throughout their lifetime. Displaying and teaching the Ten Commandments in our schools can help instill a reverence for God, which is crucial for a stable and successful society. In fact, this measure could be a cost-efficient way to revive our country’s moral health, addressing various moral, social, and political issues at their root,” added Rep. Bro. Eddie.

The CIBAC representative also clarified that the Ten Commandments are not solely a religious principle exclusive to Christianity.

“Throughout history, Christians and non-Christians alike have acknowledged the universal applicability of the Ten Commandments in molding good citizens. It is more than just a set of religious teachings; the Commandments are a guide for nation building and social cohesion,” he said.

Rep. Villanueva announced plans to introduce legislation that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in schools, drawing inspiration from a recent law in Louisiana, USA that enforces a similar requirement.

He also hopes that the new DepEd Secretary will include the Decalogue in the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) subject of the K-12 curriculum.

📷 Office of Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva