It's obvious!' he replied, breathing tiredly. 'Our power will last so long as it is believed. If we are attacked, the government says they are attacking us because we are an obstacle to their freedom, so we'll hold on to them.' 'And if the government listens to them? There have been times when the government -' 'It won't!
-- Father Dámaso and Father Salví (Chapter 9)

Importance: This exchange reveals the clergy's cynical understanding that their power rests entirely on perception rather than genuine authority or spiritual legitimacy. Father Dámaso admits their control depends on people believing in it, and he outlines their parasitic relationship with Spanish colonial government - the clergy positions itself as indispensable to Spain's rule, making themselves "an obstacle" that protects Spanish interests by suppressing Filipino freedom. His tired breathing and the anxious back-and-forth with Father Salví show they're aware this arrangement is precarious. Father Salví's worried "What if the...