Escudero says SC can't force Congress to ban political dynasties, De Lima disagrees

Senate President Francis Escudero stated that the Supreme Court cannot compel Congress to enact a law banning political dynasties due to constitutional limitations.

Former Senator and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima countered Escudero's remarks, asserting that the Constitution itself compels Congress to pass an anti-political dynasty bill nearly 40 years after its enactment.

De Lima emphasized that this is not merely a political question but a constitutional issue of paramount importance, challenging whether Congress considers itself above the Constitution.

The petition filed by 1Sambayan and other civic groups argues that Congress has neglected its duty to pass an anti-dynasty law for nearly four decades since the 1987 Constitution was enacted.

According to the petitioners, political families now hold 80% of the seats in Congress, highlighting the significant influence these dynasties have over Philippine governance.