ELEVEN business and civil society groups support a campaign against political dynasties, noting that family-dominated politics weakens public accountability.
The groups, which include the Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, and Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, flagged Congress for its failure to fulfill its constitutional mandate against political dynasties.
“For nearly four decades, Congress has failed to fulfill the constitutional mandate against political dynasties. Enough waiting. It is time for citizens and communities across the country to act together,” they said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
The groups cited an Aug. 26 ruling by the Supreme Court, which noted Congress’ mandatory duty to enact an anti-political dynasty law.
“It found that 39 years of inaction amounted to grave abuse of discretion and directed lawmakers to move with utmost urgency,” they said.
“The message was clear: this constitutional command cannot be set aside forever.”
The Philippine political system has long been dominated by political families, which critics argue is a major cause of weak accountability among public officials.
“When connections seem to matter more than merit, public confidence and investor trust suffer too,” they added.
Instead, the groups called on the need for a people’s initiative to take down political dynasties.
“We, the undersigned organizations, urge all Filipinos to join the Dapat Isa Lang People’s Initiative,” they said, citing the digital co-petition platform for the People’s Initiative to pass the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Law.
Under Republic Act No. 6735, a people’s initiative to enact national legislation must obtain signatures from at least 10% of registered voters nationwide and at least 3% of registered voters in every legislative district.
“That is why the campaign must reach every corner of the country,” the groups said.
“Public office is a public trust — not family property,” they added.
Other signatories include Justice Reform Initiative, Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines, FEU Public Policy Center Foundation, Inc., Institute of Corporate Directors, Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc., Move As One Coalition, Movement for Restoration of Peace & Order, and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz