The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed its formal support on Friday for the “Dapat Isa Lang” People’s Initiative, backing a push for an anti-political dynasty law that the CBCP described as a peaceful and democratic effort to fulfill a long-standing constitutional mandate.
CBCP Statement and Constitutional Context
In a pastoral statement signed by CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, the bishops emphasized that public office functions as a public trust and should never become a family inheritance. The 1987 Constitution explicitly calls for equal access to public service opportunities and prohibits political dynasties as defined by law. However, nearly 40 years after the adoption of that constitution, Congress has not yet enacted an anti-political dynasty law.
“After almost forty years, the constitutional command against political dynasties should no longer remain merely an aspiration. The time has come to give it genuine meaning in law and in political life,” the CBCP stated in the pastoral letter.
Did You Know? The “Dapat Isa Lang” signature campaign was launched in May with the goal of gathering at least seven million signatures—equivalent to 10 percent of the country’s registered voters—to successfully advance an anti-political dynasty law.
Focus on Systemic Concerns Over Individuals
The bishops clarified that their position is not directed against any particular political family, party, candidate, or public official. Instead, the initiative targets a systemic issue that concentrates political power within the same families.
“The issue is not the goodness or competence of individual persons or families. The deeper concern is a system that allows political power to concentrate and be repeatedly passed among members of the same families, narrowing opportunities for other qualified citizens, weakening genuine political competition, and making accountability more difficult,” the CBCP noted. The bishops added that no family holds a permanent claim to public office and that leadership should remain open to all Filipinos who possess the competence, integrity, and desire to serve.
While the high court has mandated action, the exact drafting and scope of the prohibition remain entirely up to lawmakers.
Mobilization and Supreme Court Directive
To advance the initiative, the conference encouraged dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools, universities, religious communities, and lay organizations to educate the public and foster respectful dialogue. The campaign serves as an exercise of citizen sovereignty under the 1987 Constitution.
This religious backing follows a decision issued earlier in the week by the Supreme Court, which compelled Congress to enact an appropriate anti-political dynasty law at the earliest opportunity. While the high court noted that certain circumstances can be considered to address the evils of concentrated power, it also clarified that the tribunal will not instruct lawmakers on how the legislation must be crafted or how its scope and prohibitions will be defined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Dapat Isa Lang” People’s Initiative?
It is a signature campaign launched in May aiming to gather at least seven million signatures—representing 10 percent of the country’s registered voters—to pass a genuine anti-political dynasty law.
What is the position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines?
The CBCP expressed support for the initiative in a pastoral statement signed by president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, asserting that public office is a public trust and that political power should not be a family inheritance.
How has the judicial branch responded to the issue?
The Supreme Court issued a decision early in the week compelling Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law at the earliest opportunity, though the high court stated it will not dictate how the legislation is crafted or defined.
How will lawmakers respond to the combined pressure from the Supreme Court and religious leaders regarding the anti-political dynasty law?