[1] Additionally, an undated study by the Dentsu Communication Institute in Japan claimed that around 11 million or 11% of Filipinos are irreligious.
[5][6] Overall, anti-Catholic sentiment is a growing trend in the Philippines,[citation needed] with former president Rodrigo Duterte being an outspoken critic of the church for its sex scandals[7] and allegations of corruption.
[8] According to both Catholics and Atheists, belief in the Catholic Church is linked to poverty more than it is religious conviction, many go to Church out of desperation and need for hope, and some atheists, such as Miss.
M, founder of HAPI, believe that starting secular outreach institutions will help Filipinos shed reliance on the Church and put their future in their own hands.
'My mother would go to church to ask for food and clothing and money, most Filipinos think that God provides.