Public urged to file DQ cases vs political dynasties

MANILA, Philippines — The anticorruption 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.

READ: Dynasties in power: The unbroken cycle of political families in PH

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 only two laws have defined 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.

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.

Anim said it was ready to assist the public in filing these disqualification petitions and it could be reached through e-mail at [email protected].

“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.