CBCP urges passage of a genuine anti-political dynasty law following Supreme Court order

The useful part

Philippines (CBCP) said it could not remain indifferent to issues involving the moral foundations of society, human dignity, justice, equality and the common good. "And when power becomes too concentrated, the institutions that should ensure accountability become vulnerable to patronage, favoritism, and particular interests," they said. 'Dapat Isa Lang' The bishops particularly backed "Dapat Isa Lang," a citizens' initiative seeking to fulfill a constitutional mandate that has remained unaddressed for nearly four decades.

How it works

• They described the initiative as a peaceful, lawful and democratic effort through which Filipinos can work toward fulfilling that mandate.
• Among local officials, 71 of 82 provincial governors, or 87%, and 113 of 149 city mayors, or 75%, belong to political dynasties, according to research by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
• CBCP calls for anti-dynasty law Home Trends + Spotlights Politics + Issues Celebrities Hobbies + Interests Rumor Cop Search Powered by Philstar.com Interaksyon Home Trends + Spotlights Politics + Issues...
• 16 that Congress has a mandatory constitutional duty to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties, saying its failure to do so for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
• Dynasties widespread in gov't Political dynasties remain widespread across the country.

What to take from it

"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 said. The bishops said the issue is not whether individual members of political families are qualified or capable, but whether political power becomes concentrated and repeatedly 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.

Details worth keeping

John the Baptist Parish in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental on July 7, 2026. "For these reasons, we 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," the bishops said in a pastoral statement signed by CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera.

Related coverage

• Cruxnow: Filipino bishops have thrown their weight behind a nationwide signature campaign to pass a law banning political dynasties, which have dominated the country's politics over the past century.
• Rappler: (1st UPDATE) SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting explains that Article II, Section 26, of the 1987 Constitution mandates the country's legislative bodies to pass a law that will prohibit political dynasties
• Philstar: ZAMBOANGA City — Catholic religious leaders called for stronger action against corruption, political dynasties and misuse of public funds as they ended their national convention Saturday.