The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) backed the Dapat Isa Lang (D1L) movement on Friday, which goals to pass the anti-political dynasty law through a people’s initiative.
“We recognize the vital roles of our schools in shaping our residents,” CEAP Advocacy and Public Engagement Office Ina Claustro said during a press conference.
“It’s difficult to show democracy when power continues to revolve only amongst few families,” she added in Filipino.
Ms. Claustro noted that schools bear the responsibility of teaching the youth that public offices aren’t inherited and must be used for the greater good.
“Education must produce residents who’re critical and engaged,” she said. “To our youth, don’t lose hope, don’t accept that that is how politics work.”
“Democracy only works when latest voices are given space to guide. Leadership must be earned through competence, integrity, and repair – not inherited by some people,” she added.
The D1L movement proposes a law that prohibits political families from holding a couple of position each in national and native offices. The proposal includes members of the family as much as the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity.
The succession, substitute, or switching of position amongst political families can be not allowed under the proposed law, and families that had members in political positions must maintain a “one term cooling period” after reaching their term limits.
“This law will change the composition and quality of members of the Congress and the leaders within the LGUs (local government units),” the groups said in a press release.
“A real anti-dynasty law is critical to our rejection of the politics of patronage, ayuda, pork barrel… political education, electoral reform, budget reform, and training and formation of our public servant leaders,” it added.
Under Article VI, Section 32 of the 1987 Structure, the general public can propose a law through a people’s initiative if the petition is signed by not less than 10% of the entire variety of registered voters nationwide, and each legislative district has not less than 3% signatures from registered voters.
“We’re currently mobilizing our member schools across 17 regions to support this people’s initiative guided by hope, justice, mercy, and unity,” Ms. Claustro said in mixed English and Filipino. — Almira Louise S. Martinez