(AP)

Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva says he is planning to file a bill in the House of Representatives that would require every school in the Philippines to display the 10 Commandments.

In a statement on Friday, June 28, Villanueva said such measure would be a “cost-efficient way” of reviving the country’s “moral health”.

He explained that this would help put an end to “various moral, social, and political problems”.

“By displaying and teaching the 10 Commandments in our schools, we will be able to raise our youth in the fear of God, which is a key element for a stable and successful society,” said Villanueva.

“The Bible states in Proverbs 22:6 that when we teach our children in their prime years the foundational values that make God-centered and humane citizens, they will live out those lessons throughout their lifetime,” he added.

At the same time, Villanueva intends to ask the new secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) to support his proposal to display the 10 Commandments in schools. 

“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,” he noted.

Villanueva, leader of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, said this would be a “fitting initiative” for schools as a complementary institution of the church in strengthening the youth’s moral fiber.

“I hope the incoming DepEd head will support it,” he stressed.

President Marcos said recently that he will announce the new DepEd Secretary by the end of June. Earlier, Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from this post, thereby exiting the Marcos Cabinet.

Villanueva clarified that the 10 Commandments are “not a mere religious tenet” exclusive to Christianity.

He pointed out that 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 explained.

The pastor-lawmaker said his proposal was inspired by a recent law in Louisiana, United States (US), which mandates the 10 Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom.

Additionally, Villanueva is also pushing for the inclusion of the 10 Commandments in the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) subject under the K-12 curriculum.