The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has thrown its full support behind the passage of an anti-dynasty law, with its social action and justice arm urging the dismantling of entrenched political clans as a decisive step toward curbing corruption in the country.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, chair of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace, said corruption will continue to thrive unless the nation confronts political families that have dominated public office for generations.
“An Anti-Dynasty Law should be passed without delay,” Alminaza said. “Some clans have dominated politics for decades. Yet even newer politicians in national leadership seem to quickly expand their reach through the election or appointment of their relatives.”
Meanwhile, Malacañang defended the administration’s stance on the proposed anti-political dynasty bill, saying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants a thorough review on the measure following criticisms that the current House version falls short of the Constitution’s mandate.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is aware of concerns raised by legal experts and advocates who argue that the bill may end up legitimizing, rather than curbing, political dynasties because it limits, rather than fully prohibiting, the practice.
“That is why we should not rush the enactment of the law; it must be studied,” Castro said.
Alminaza, who also heads Caritas Philippines, called on voters “not to tolerate political dynasties,” stressing the need to open public office to fresh, competent leaders.
“We must stand together and continue our advocacy until measures for non-repetition and accountability are fully achieved,” he said.
“Corruption must finally end; nothing less will do. This is also the moment for our nation to pass a genuine anti-dynasty law,” he said.
Citing data from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism show that at least 18 political dynasties with five or more members in public office secured seats in the May 2025 elections. These include clans spread across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
Alminaza noted that many regions dominated by what he described as “obese political dynasties” remain mired in poverty, with social services often failing to reach marginalized communities.
Castro noted the differences between the House and Senate proposals, with the lower chamber limiting political bans up to the fourth civil degree and the Senate pushing for a stricter second-degree cap.
“It would be better if this is properly arranged… so that when it is passed, there are no loopholes, no gray areas,” Castro stated.
Asked whether the President would prod Congress to strengthen the bill, Castro said Mr. Marcos emphasized during the recent LEDAC meeting that legislation must be studied thoroughly even as he wants it passed as soon as possible.
Malacañang also rejected claims by Akbayan and other groups that the administration is using the proposed reform as political “optics,” especially with the bill not being certified as urgent despite involving the President, his son, and the House leadership.
“Is the request to study this law carefully before passing it only for optics? Accelerating the process of creating a law but lacking, that’s for optics,” Castro said.
She added that the administration prefers a “quality law” over a hastily approved one, stressing that any measure addressing dynasty-linked concentration of political power must be both effective and constitutionally sound.
