SC orders Congress to comment on political dynasty petitions

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Senate and House of Representatives to comment on petitions seeking legislation against political dynasties.

SC Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting informed the public during a press briefing in Baguio City that both Houses must respond within 10 days from receipt of notice.

The court consolidated three pending petitions filed by the 1Sambayan Coalition, Kapatiran Party, and Wilfredo Trinidad, among others, which argue that Congress has a ministerial duty to enact an anti-political dynasty law as mandated by Article II Section 26 of the Constitution.

Citing data from 2006 to 2018, petitioners noted that almost 80 percent of Congress and more than half of local government officials come from political families, urging the SC to compel Congress to fulfill its constitutional obligation.

The petitions argue that Congress' failure to enact an anti-political dynasty law since the ratification of the 71987 Constitution undermines democracy and exacerbates poverty and inequality.