Two bishops in the Philippines have called for the country’s election commission to disqualify powerful political dynasties from contesting the 2025 mid-term elections, saying it violates a constitutional ban. Source: UCA News.
Bishop Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, president and vice-president of Caritas Philippines respectively, filed the petition along with good governance watchdog Alyansang Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM) on Friday.
Their petition named former president Rodrigo Duterte, House of Representatives speaker Martin Romualdez, senator Cynthia Villar, Ilocos governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and Catanduanes vice-governor Peter Cua.
“Political dynasties have turned politics into a family business, using government resources for personal enrichment rather than public service,” Bishop Bagaforo said after filing the complaint.
With the proliferation of political dynasties in the Catholic-majority nation, “checks and balances have eroded, corruption has worsened, and societal problems are unsolved” the prelate noted.
He said “true and lasting reforms remain elusive” in the Southeast Asian nation, ruled by Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr, and Sara Duterte, daughter of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte.
Rodrigo Duterte is running for mayor in his southern home city of Davao with his son, Sebastian Duterte, as running mate.
Duterte, 79, was mayor of Davao City for about two decades before winning the presidency in 2016.
The Duterte family has “continuously occupied” high positions for the past 23 years since 2001, the ANIM said in the petition to the election commission.
Senator Villar and daughter Camille have been holding public positions for the past 26 years, since 1998, ANIM noted.
Governor Manotoc “inherited” his post from his mother, senator Imee Marcos, AMIN said.
“Dynastic politicians can only be disqualified or removed from office if such a case is filed. Without these cases being filed, they would remain in power,” ANIM’s lawyer, Alex Lacson, said.
The Philippines has not passed a law against political dynasties, though the constitution ratified in 1987 has a provision against it.
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Filipino prelates join fight against political dynasties (By Inday Espina-Varona, UCA News)
