Philippine Supreme Court orders Congress to pass anti-dynasty law

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ordered Congress to enact an anti-political dynasty law ‘at the earliest opportunity,’ ruling that the legislature’s 39-year failure to do so constitutes ‘grave abuse of discretion.’

According to High Court spokesperson Camille Ting, the ruling emphasizes that Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the state to prohibit political dynasties as defined by law. The Court clarified that the constitutional language ‘shall guarantee’ leaves Congress no choice but to act, though it remains the responsibility of lawmakers to define the specific scope and familial relationships covered by the prohibition.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has urged Congress to comply with the mandate, questioning whether personal interests among lawmakers have hindered the process. While the House of Representatives approved an anti-political dynasty bill on its third and final reading in June, a corresponding version in the Senate remains pending.