CBCP calls for passage of anti-dynasty law

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The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday expressed support for the “Dapat Isa Lang” People’s Initiative seeking the passage of an anti-political dynasty law, calling it a peaceful and democratic effort to fulfill a constitutional mandate.

In a pastoral statement signed by CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, the bishops said political power should not become a “family inheritance” and stressed that public office is a public trust.

The CBCP said the 1987 Constitution calls for equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibits political dynasties as may be defined by law. Nearly 40 years after the Constitution was adopted, however, Congress has yet to enact 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," it said.

The bishops said that their position was not directed against any particular political family, party, candidate or public official.

"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 said.

"No family, however capable or respected, has a permanent claim to public office. Political leadership should remain open to all Filipinos who possess the competence, integrity, and desire to serve," it added.

It encouraged dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools and universities, religious communities and lay organizations to help the public understand the initiative and participate in the process through respectful dialogue and responsible information.

In particular, it rallied support for Dapat Isa Lang People's Initiative, "an exercise of the sovereignty that our Constitution recognizes as residing in the Filipino people."

Dapat Isa Lang was launched as a signature campaign in May this year aiming to gather at least seven million signatures —or 10 percent of the country's registered voters —to be able to pass a genuine anti-political dynasty law.

Early this week, the Supreme Court issued a decision compelling Congress to enact an appropriate anti-political dynasty law at the earliest opportunity. The high court added, “certain circumstances can be considered if the evils of concentrating power and political opportunity were to be truly addressed.”

Still, the SC said the High Tribunal “will not instruct on how the legislation will be crafted and how the scope and extent of the prohibition will be defined.” —LDF, GMA News