The Freedom to form an Association and Organization is enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. This is stated in the Bill of Rights Article 3 Section 4 and 8 that states:
Section 4 No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.
Section 8 The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.
Philippine Constitution Article 3 BILL OF RIGHTS
And on Section 5 of the said Article it states that:
Section 5 No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.
Philippine Constitution Article 3 BILL OF RIGHTS
And establishing Luntiang Aghama as a religious organization in the Philippines is a great evidence that there is Religious Freedom as well as the Freedom for Association in the Philippines.
When we started Luntiang Aghama we were an underground online group using yahoo groups and that was on year 2000. We had meet ups that later on turned into training sessions and as completed our proposed line up of lessons, we break away to walk the talk. And on 2012, Luntiang Aghama decided to come out to the open by registering it to the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission and luckily we were approved and granted a Juridical personality as a Religious Corporation Sole.
But why i pushed Luntiang Aghama to be recognized, where there are many other groups who operates even without any government recognition? It is said that our constitution guaranteed the Freedom of Religion and no religious test shall be required for the exercise thereof.
Indeed anyone can practice their faith but not anyone is allowed to push their beliefs on others as it will violate also others faith/ belief.
Having our Group incorporated give us license to share our faith publicly as it will protect our organization as well as the public from possible deceit that may happen on both ends. And having our group incorporated or having a government recognition shows that we are Serious and Fully committed to fulfill our Mission and Vision not just a pat time leisure group like what others are doing.
Since we are being incorporated and recognized, our organization has been seen as a Guidance to small groups pertaining to their day to day operation such as in providing magical service, since there are no regulatory body that certifies magical practitioners in the Philippines, it is encouraged that they should be Ordained or Initiated from a legit spiritual organization.
If a person is initiated by foreign organization at least they are also encourage to register their organization in the Philippines that they may also have recognition too. being legally incorporated in the Philippines provides a greater opportunity to a spiritual organization to function well such as in application for the authority to solemnize marriage vows; issue in your own rights in accordance to your declaration of Faith a certification and ordination; provide religious education according to your declaration of faith and others.
Dambana ng Luntiang Aghama 