Cardinal backs people’s initiative on anti-dynasty law

MANILA, Philippines — Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David is backing the push for a genuine anti-dynasty law through a people’s initiative.

The “Dapat Isa Lang Movement” launched a signature campaign that aims to gather at least seven million signatures – or 10 percent of the country’s registered voters – to push for a national referendum to enact the law.

“Perhaps this is where we need to rediscover another form of People Power. The Constitution reserves legislative power not only to Congress but also to the people through initiative and referendum,” David said.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera has issued a pastoral statement supporting the Dapat Isa Lang people’s initiative as a peaceful, lawful and democratic means for Filipinos to pursue the long-delayed constitutional mandate.