A petition for certiorari and mandamus was filed on Monday before the Supreme Court (SC) compelling members of the 19th Congress to craft legislation that would define political dynasty.
“The 1987 Constitution commands Congress to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties. This is a ministerial and mandatory duty,” a portion of the petition read.
The petitioners refer to Section 26, Article II of the Constitution, which provides that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”
The phrase “as may be defined by law” does not give the Congress the discretion to refuse to comply with this constitutional demand, but merely gives Congress the discretion to define what constitutes a political dynasty, the petition added.
The petitioners are members of 1SAMBAYAN Coalition as represented by former SC Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and SANLAKAS as represented by Marie Marguerite Lopez.
Meanwhile, among the respondents include the Senate as represented by Senate President Francis Escudero, and the House of Representatives as represented by House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The petition underscores the Congress’ blatant indifference and inaction on the issue of political dynasties for almost 40 years, which is contrary to the mandate of the Constitution.
The inaction directly causes escalating levels of poverty in the country, according to the petitioners.
“By failing to define ‘political dynasties,’ Congress has not merely neglected its duty. It has actively undermined the very foundation of democratic representation, entrenching political monopolies, perpetuating systemic inequality, and plunging deeper [to] a negative escalating degree the abject poverty of our people,” the petition said.