MANILA Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. pushed a measure that will include the study of the Bible in all public and private schools, colleges and universities.

In House Bill 190 or the proposed Bible Reading Act of 2022, Abante sought the authorization to print and distribute bibles in all schools.

“A critical study of the Bible as literature can prepare students with the thinking skills needed in the 21st century. As an all-time bestseller, the Bible has had a profound impact on history, literature and culture. It remains a vital part of the life of Filipinos,” Abante said in his explanatory note.

He stressed that the Constitution allows the teaching of religion in all schools as long as there is consent in writing by the parents or guardians and no cost to the government.

He added that the constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court allowed teaching the Bible as literature and not for religious purposes.

Under the measure, the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education will include in the prescribed curricula of schools and SUCs the study of the bible.

The Bible shall also be included in the list of approved books for required reading.