The Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM), a broad coalition representing key sectors of Philippine society, launched a nationwide campaign Friday, August 23 at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, aimed at tackling corruption, dismantling political dynasties, and reforming the electoral system.
The coalition, which includes representatives from the religious sector, military and uniformed personnel, business professionals, youth, women, and civil society organizations, have united to address the systemic issues that they say are perpetuating poverty and injustice in the Philippines.
Caritas Philippines, one of the convenors of ANIM, underscored the moral dimension of the campaign. In his keynote address, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, stressed the need for an anti-dynasty law and the moral imperative to combat corruption.
“Caritas Philippines stands in solidarity with ANIM and all those calling for an end to the pervasive corruption and political dynasties that have long plagued our beloved country. Stop corruption! This is not just a slogan; it is a moral and urgent plea for justice,” Bagaforo said. “Corruption is a violation of the commandment, ‘You shall not steal.’ When public officials misuse their power for personal gain, they are robbing the people—not just of resources, but of opportunities, dignity, and their futures.”
Bagaforo called for a law to curb political dynasties, noting that such legislation could address up to 50% of the corruption in the country. “Political dynasties are at the heart of much of this corruption,” he added.
The event featured a series of speeches from prominent advocates of good governance and social reform. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a key speaker, urged the public to act. “Silence is not neutrality; it is complicity. Good governance is about more than fighting corruption—it’s about empowering communities, respecting human rights, and leading with compassion,” Magalong said.
Atty. Alex Lacson pointed to political dynasties as a primary obstacle to rural development, asserting that they monopolize resources and stifle local economies. “Political dynasties are the biggest obstacles to local economic development. They control both business opportunities and economic resources in their areas,” Lacson said.
Former COMELEC Commissioner Augusto Lagman called for electoral reform, advocating for a hybrid election system that would enhance transparency. “We need a system that is transparent and credible so that the true will of the people is reflected,” Lagman said.
The launch of ANIM is the start of what organizers say will be a sustained campaign for reform. In a call to action, former Defense Secretary Renato De Villa urged Filipinos to join the movement. “We must grow and strengthen ANIM so that our voices will be heard, and meaningful reforms can be achieved,” De Villa said.
The coalition’s manifesto, read by chairman Retired Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, outlines ANIM’s three main advocacies: the fight against corruption, dismantling political dynasties, and comprehensive electoral reforms. The manifesto calls for unity in addressing these challenges, which the coalition says have undermined the nation’s development for decades.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, vice president of Caritas Philippines, closed the event by calling for collective action. “The solution is not with one sector but with all of us, standing together. ANIM represents the power of ‘we’—a collective force that can bring about lasting change for the Philippines,” Alminaza said.
ANIM’s launch marks the beginning of a nationwide push for reform, with Caritas Philippines and other convenors calling on Filipinos to unite in the fight for good governance and social justice.