Catholic Church leaders are urging Filipinos to participate in an online signature campaign seeking the passage of a law that would restrict political dynasties, as advocates push to gather millions of signatures for a proposed people’s initiative.
The campaign, known as “Dapat Isa Lang,” launched a digital signature platform on September 30 at the Obispado de Cubao in Quezon City. The initiative allows qualified voters to review the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act and submit their signatures and required documents online.
Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao said the campaign was not intended to target a particular politician, political family or party. Instead, he described it as an effort to address concerns about the concentration of political power and the role of public office in Philippine democracy.
Ayuban, who also serves as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Parañaque, said the Church’s role is not to dictate how voters should cast their ballots. He said Church leaders should instead help form consciences, provide information and encourage participation in public affairs.
Father Robert Reyes, convenor of Clergy for Good Governance, likewise characterized the initiative as an issue concerning the common good rather than a partisan political contest. He said public office should remain focused on service rather than becoming concentrated within political families.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has endorsed the initiative. In a pastoral statement issued on September 25, the bishops described political dynasties as a moral and ethical concern and said political leadership should remain open to Filipinos who are qualified and willing to serve.
The campaign follows a September 16 Supreme Court ruling concerning Congress’ constitutional duty to enact legislation prohibiting political dynasties. The constitutional provision has remained without an enabling law for decades, prompting renewed attention to the issue.
Under the proposed measure promoted by Dapat Isa Lang, relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity would be prohibited from simultaneously or successively seeking or holding elective public office. The proposal also includes restrictions intended to prevent relatives from replacing or switching positions with term-limited family members, as well as a cooling-off period before another family member can seek the same position.
Organizers are seeking at least seven million signatures, equivalent to 10 percent of the country’s registered voters, to advance the proposed people’s initiative. The campaign is also expected to require the participation of registered voters across legislative districts as part of the constitutional and legal requirements for a people’s initiative.
Church groups in different parts of the country have also begun mobilizing supporters. In Iloilo, the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center has been organizing parishes, lay groups, young people and volunteers to help gather signatures for the nationwide campaign.
The broader church campaign has also included calls for Congress to act on the constitutional provision against political dynasties. An Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum said the prolonged absence of an enabling law has raised concerns about equal access to public service and democratic participation.
The proposed initiative remains separate from individual candidates and political parties. Its organizers say the objective is to establish legal restrictions on political dynasties, while the final shape and implementation of any anti-dynasty measure would depend on the constitutional process, legislation or a valid people’s initiative.
As the signature drive expands, voters are being asked to review the proposed measure and its requirements before deciding whether to participate. The campaign places the long-standing constitutional provision on political dynasties back in the national spotlight as advocates seek to turn the issue into a nationwide citizen-led initiative.
