Negros bishop mobilizes church to push antidynasty political measure

BACOLOD CITY — Church leadership in Negros Occidental is intensifying its campaign against dynastic political control, with the Diocese of San Carlos calling on religious institutions and grassroots organizations to accelerate collection of signatures supporting antidynasty legislation.

The episcopal push represents a renewed effort to advance a long-standing proposal that would restrict the concentration of political power within family networks across national and local government positions. The diocese is mobilizing its clergy, educational institutions, and affiliated lay groups to broaden participation in the people's initiative aimed at legislating restrictions on political dynasty succession.

The antidynasty measure has been a recurring legislative proposal in Congress, with proponents arguing that family-dominated political structures limit democratic representation and perpetuate patronage systems. Church-led advocacy efforts underscore growing institutional support for the measure among religious organizations seeking broader governance reforms.

The signature campaign represents a grassroots mobilization strategy to demonstrate public support for the proposed legislation, with organizers seeking to translate ecclesiastical backing into widespread citizen participation. The diocese's engagement reflects the Catholic Church's continued involvement in advocacy campaigns addressing governance and institutional reform in the Philippines.