Politics · Philippines Bureau
Calapan diocese backs people's initiative to ban political dynasties
The Catholic Diocese of Calapan has thrown its support behind efforts to enact anti-dynasty legislation through a people's initiative process enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. The move reflects growing religious sector backing for measures to limit family-based political control.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Diocese of Calapan has formally endorsed a campaign to pass a law restricting political dynasties using the people's initiative mechanism available under the Philippine Constitution.
The endorsement reflects the diocese's commitment to democratic reforms aimed at widening political participation and reducing entrenched family control in government. Church officials have indicated the position aligns with broader Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines advocacy on governance and institutional reform.
People's initiative allows citizens to directly propose legislation, requiring signatures from a specified percentage of registered voters before a measure can be submitted to Congress or placed on a national ballot. Proponents of anti-dynasty measures have argued that limiting the ability of political families to concentrate power would encourage broader participation and merit-based candidate selection.
The Calapan diocese joins other faith-based organizations and civil society groups that have advocated for such reforms. The move underscores persistent calls from various sectors for legislative action on political dynasties, an issue that has generated sustained public debate in the Philippines.