The country’s largest Catholic school network is backing a grassroots campaign to break the grip of powerful political families.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines announced full support for the “Dapat Isa Lang” movement, which seeks to pass a genuine anti-political dynasty law through a people’s initiative.
“We believe that dismantling political dynasties is vital to promoting accountability, integrity, and equitable access to public service,” CEAP said.
The group called on member schools, educators, students and partners to join signature drives, dialogue and civic engagement efforts supporting the campaign.
The 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties “as may be defined by law,” but Congress has failed for nearly four decades to pass enabling legislation.
Frustrated by legislative inaction, the Dapat Isa Lang movement is pushing voters directly to propose the measure through constitutional mechanisms.
Its proposal would limit political families to one national and one local elected post, ban relatives up to the fourth degree from simultaneous office, prohibit succession or position-switching, and impose a one-term cooling-off period.
Advocates say the reforms would weaken entrenched patronage networks, improve governance, and expand opportunities for qualified leaders outside elite clans.
The campaign argues that political dynasties have long fueled corruption, weakened accountability and concentrated power among a narrow ruling class.
