The Supreme Court rules that Congress must enact an anti-political dynasty law, citing a constitutional duty and Congress’ long inaction. The decision comes after the Court grants consolidated petitions for certiorari and mandamus, filed by groups including the 1Sambayan Coalition, urging the Court to compel legislative action.
The Court’s en banc decision is described as unanimous and relies on Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution. Sources report the Court characterizes Congress’ failure to pass such a law for 39 years as a “grave abuse of discretion” and a “continuing violation,” and in one report as “manifest injustice,” though it does not set a specific deadline for enactment.
After the ruling, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan urges Congress to act, saying the Supreme Court has “spoken” and that lawmakers should now pass the law. Across the outlets, the focus remains on the Court’s directive to Congress and the expectation that the ruling may force legislative movement toward defining and banning political dynasties.
