SC hands off on political dynasties

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court dismissed the bid of a businessman to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prohibit members of so-called political dynasties from running for national and local elective positions.

At a press conference, the high court’s acting spokesperson, Gleo Guerra, said the petition for mandamus filed by businessman Louis “Barok” Biraogo had been denied.

The SC, however, refused to elaborate on why Biraogo’s petition was dismissed.

In his petition, Biraogo said while there is still no anti-dynasty law, there is a constitutional prohibition against political dynasties.

Biraogo cited Sec. 26, Art. II, of the 1987 Constitution, which says: “The state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

“Whether or not political dynasties are evil per se is no longer debatable from a constitutional perspective. Sec. 26, Art. II, of the 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties, period… Political dynasties are prohibited by the fundamental law of the land,” he said.