CHURCH groups have called for the immediate passage of bills that would end political dynasties as the House of Representatives held another round of consultations in its proposed anti-dynasty bill in Cebu City on Thursday.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education and Caritas Philippines said political dynasties have distorted the meaning of public service, transforming elective office into a hereditary privilege rather than a mission of responsibility.
“When power rotates across spouses, children, cousins and in-laws, new leaders and innovative solutions are systematically blocked,” they said.
They noted that the country has lived long enough under a democracy that repeatedly postpones its promise, and stressed the provision in the Constitution that bans political dynasties.
“Yet nearly four decades later, silence and inaction have allowed these formations to grow unchecked, like vines entwining the beams of our institutions,” they said.
“Patronage networks become invisible walls, turning what should be a field of free competition into a closed corridor guarded by name recall and inherited machinery. Many dynasties extend influence beyond politics, controlling local economies, businesses and permits, compounding inequality,” they said.
They said that while legislative measures have been filed to curb dynastic abuse, some of them fall short, which requires strengthening to fully close loopholes and ensure equitable political participation.
The group is pushing for a measure that would restrict close relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from simultaneously holding or consecutively occupying elective positions. It will also preserve the principle of separate local and national representation as well as limit holding an elective position to a maximum of two relatives per family, one for a local office and the other a national position, without overlapping jurisdiction; they are also calling for the elimination of “avenues for circumvention,” such as substitution, rotation or position-swapping, ensuring political opportunities remain open to new leaders; the institution of a reasonable mandatory pause for term-limited officials and their close relatives before seeking the same office, creating space for fresh leadership while still allowing eligible individuals to pursue other offices; and the application of these restrictions to party-list representatives, closing loopholes that would otherwise allow political families to maintain undue influence.
“We call on civil society to remain vigilant, educational institutions to cultivate ethically and critically minded citizens, Congress to act with integrity and courage, and the Executive Branch to champion reform not as a political maneuver but as a moral imperative,” the group said.
He also called on the youth to speak with hope and reject the cynicism that surrounds them by engaging in civic and political life with clarity, courage and conscience.
“Demand accountability. Insist that leadership be earned, not inherited. The passage of a genuine political dynasty prohibition law is a collective step toward a future where political space is broadened, new voices are empowered, and equality is no longer deferred but fully realized,” they said.
The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms held its second consultation in Cebu City today, with most of those attending the event supportive of the measure.
Committee Chairman and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the participants have the opportunity to help craft a key part of the rules to govern who may seek public office.
“The future is not something you wait for. It is something we build. If today’s Philippines is in loving hands then let us express that love through responsible participation, thoughtful debate and principled engagement. Love of country requires action. This is your opportunity to speak. It is our duty, as your representatives, to listen,” Adiong said.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III thanked those who attended the consultation, saying their participation is vital to shaping a law that is both constitutionally sound and grounded in lived realities.
“Now, we have a clearer appreciation of the balance that must be struck-between the people’s right to choose and the broader goal of expanding opportunities for public service to more of our countrymen.” Dy said.
