CBCP: No family has right to hold onto public office

MANILA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded the public, especially politicians, that no family has the right to hold on to public office, even if they are capable or respected.

In a pastoral statement Friday, CBCP president Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said dynasties are not merely political issues, but are also moral and ethical concerns.

“Political leadership should remain open to all Filipinos who possess the competence, integrity, and desire to serve,” he said.

“When public authority is treated as private privilege, the common good suffers. When political opportunities are effectively reserved for a few, equal access to public service is diminished.”

He said when power becomes too concentrated, the institutions that should ensure accountability become vulnerable to patronage, favoritism and particular interests.

“Public office must never become a family inheritance. It is a public trust, entrusted by the people to serve all,” he added.

As pastor of God’s people, he said the CBCP cannot remain indifferent to matters that touch the moral foundations of society and dignity of the people.

“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,” he said.

He clarified that they are not pushing for the passage of a law to target any particular family, political party, candidate or public official.

“This initiative should not become an occasion for hatred, retaliation, or partisan division. Rather, it should invite all of us to ask a fundamental question: How can we make public service truly accessible to more Filipinos and ensure that political authority remains service rather than possession?” Garcera said.

He also asked the faithful to support calls and participate in discussions in relation to the passage of the law.

“Learn what the proposal contains. Ask difficult questions. Resist misinformation, coercion, vote-buying, intimidation, and political pressure. Where conscience leads you to support the initiative, do so freely, peacefully, and responsibly,” Garcera said.

The Supreme Court recently directed Congress to comply with its mandatory constitutional duty to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties “at the earliest opportunity.”

The high tribunal said Article II, Section 26 of the constitution requires Congress to pass the anti-political dynasty law, and that failure to do so for 39 years constitutes grave abuse of discretion.

The high court also said there is basis to extend the prohibition on political dynasties to relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. (PNA)