Article VII, Section 5 of the 1978 Philippine Constitution states:
Before they enter on the execution of their office, the President, the Vice-President, or the Acting President shall take the following oath or affirmation:
“I do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President [or Vice-President or Acting President] of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me God.” [In case of affirmation, last sentence will be omitted].
Question: What if an atheist won as president?
PS: THIS IS ACTUALLY A STUPID QUESTION BY A VERY STUPID ME. GEESH.
Answer: the atheist can choose to go with an “affirmation” instead of an oath. [In case of affirmation, last sentence (“So help me God.”) will be omitted].
The somewhat silly “oath or affirmation” clause is probably a nod to members of religious sects that don’t allow the swearing of oaths.
In any case, an atheist isn’t likely to win a presidential election in this religious country.
JC – Your country is religious? Hmm. Is my country one? It should. But this issue never occured to me. OMG! Atheist are not recognized!