The CBCP endorses the "Dapat Isa Lang" People's Initiative aimed at passing a law to prohibit political dynasties, emphasizing the constitutional mandate for equal access to public service.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has publicly expressed support for the “Dapat Isa Lang” People’s Initiative, which seeks to enact an anti-political dynasty law. In a pastoral statement signed by CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, the bishops called the initiative a peaceful and democratic effort to fulfill the constitutional mandate against political dynasties. They emphasized that political power should not be treated as a family inheritance but viewed as a public trust. The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits political dynasties as may be defined by law and calls for equal access to opportunities for public service. However, nearly four decades after the Constitution’s adoption, Congress has yet to pass such a law. The CBCP highlighted that this delay has allowed political power to concentrate within families, limiting opportunities for other qualified citizens, weakening political competition, and complicating accountability. The bishops stressed that their support is not directed against any specific family or official but against the system enabling political dynasties. They encouraged offices and organizations within the Catholic Church to facilitate public understanding of the initiative and promote participation through respectful dialogue. The “Dapat Isa Lang” initiative launched a signature campaign aiming to gather at least seven million signatures, or 10 percent of registered voters, to push for the law. Recently, the Supreme Court underscored the urgency for Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law but stated it will not dictate specific legislative details. The CBCP’s endorsement adds significant moral and institutional support to the ongoing campaign to address political dynasties in the Philippines.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1003752/cbcp-calls-for-passage-of-anti-dynasty-law/story/
