CBCP Urges Enactment of Anti-Political Dynasty Law

MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has declared its unequivocal support for the enactment of a genuine and effective law against political dynasties, days after the Supreme Court ordered Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty to pass one. The CBCP stated that it "cannot remain indifferent to issues involving the moral foundations of society, human dignity, justice, equality and the common good." For these reasons, they "support the call to enact a genuine, meaningful, and effective Anti-Political Dynasty Law that will faithfully give effect to the mandate of our Constitution,” according to a pastoral statement signed by CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera. The bishops argued that political dynasties are "not merely a political question" but also a "moral and ethical concern." They contend that the common good suffers when public authority is treated as private privilege. "And when power becomes too concentrated, the institutions that should ensure accountability become vulnerable to patronage, favoritism, and particular interests,” they added. The CBCP specifically backed “Dapat Isa Lang” (Only One), a citizens’ initiative seeking to fulfill a constitutional mandate that has remained unaddressed for nearly four decades. They described the initiative as a peaceful, lawful, and democratic effort through which Filipinos can work toward fulfilling that mandate. The Supreme Court ruled on September 16 that Congress has a mandatory constitutional duty to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties, stating that its failure to do so for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion. Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution states that the state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties "as may be defined by law." Political dynasties remain prevalent across the country. Research indicates that 83% of senators, about eight in 10 House district representatives, 87% of provincial governors, and 75% of city mayors belong to political families. The CBCP clarified that the issue is not about the qualifications or capabilities of individual family members but about the concentration of political power passed among relatives. The CBCP urged dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools and universities, religious communities, and lay groups to help people understand the initiative and participate responsibly. They also called on Filipinos to reject misinformation, coercion, vote-buying, intimidation, and political pressure when making decisions about the proposal. The “Dapat Isa Lang” initiative aims to limit political families to one national and one local elected post, ban relatives up to the fourth degree from simultaneously holding office, prohibit succession or position-switching, and impose a one-term cooling-off period. “We, therefore, call upon all Filipinos to walk together in this common endeavor, guided by courage and conviction, sustained by hope, and united in our shared responsibility for the common good,” the bishops concluded. Source: Interaksyon Politics