Public urged to file DQ cases vs political dynasties

The anti-corruption coalition Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (Anim) has launched a campaign against political dynasties and urged the public to seek their disqualification from next year’s elections.

“We encourage the public to file separate disqualification cases against political dynasties in their areas,” said lawyer Alex Lacson, who is leading the group’s campaign.

“Dynastic politicians can only be disqualified or removed from office if such a case is filed. Without these cases, they remain in power,” he explained.

Anim filed on Oct. 18 disqualification suits against five candidates from political families, arguing that constitutional prohibitions against political dynasties were self-executing.

Article II, Section 26, of the 1987 Constitution states that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

However, Congress has failed to pass the enabling law and there are only two laws defining political dynasties in the books since 1987.

These are the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10742) and Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35 (Bangsamoro Electoral Code) passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in 2023.

In March, a group of lawyers asked the Supreme Court to compel Congress to pass the enabling law prohibiting political dynasties, but the high tribunal has yet to rule on the matter.

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Anim said it was ready to assist the public in filing these disqualification petitions and it could be reached through e-mail at anim.samasama@gmail.com.

“We can provide a pro-forma petition for disqualification for a congressman, governor, or mayor. They simply need to fill in the blanks. We will also provide a step-by-step guide,” added retired Army Capt. Roberto Yap, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1982.

Anim is a multisector coalition of organizations led by retired officers from the military, police and other uniformed services, bishops and other leaders of faith-based and civic organizations.

Retired Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan is the chair of the group. Among its other prominent members are columnist Jarius Bondoc, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa.