The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has backed the Dapat Isa Lang People’s Initiative, framing the campaign for an anti-political dynasty law as an issue involving access to public service, political competition and institutional accountability.
In a pastoral statement dated Sept. 25, CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera said the constitutional mandate against political dynasties remains unfulfilled nearly four decades after the adoption of the 1987 Constitution.
The CBCP stressed that its position should not be interpreted as a judgment against every politician belonging to a political family.
“Many have served our people with integrity and dedication,” the statement said.
It instead raised concern over a system that permits political power to become concentrated and repeatedly passed among relatives, which the bishops said could narrow opportunities for other qualified citizens, weaken political competition and make accountability more difficult.
“No family, however capable or respected, has a permanent claim to public office,” the statement said.
The CBCP cited Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution, which provides for equal access to opportunities for public service and the prohibition of political dynasties “as may be defined by law.”
The bishops said concentration of political authority may leave institutions responsible for accountability vulnerable to patronage, favoritism and particular interests.
The CBCP consequently expressed support for the Dapat Isa Lang People’s Initiative as a lawful and democratic means of pursuing an anti-political dynasty law.
The initiative’s proposed legislation would regulate simultaneous and successive candidacies and holding of elective office among relatives within the fourth civil degree.
The CBCP called on Catholic institutions and lay organizations to promote responsible information and respectful discussion about the initiative while urging citizens to study its actual provisions before deciding whether to participate.| BNN Integrated News
