Group files petition seeking to disqualify candidates from political dynasties

A petition to disqualify as candidates several members of political dynasties including former President Rodrigo Duterte, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Senator Cynthia Villar was filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

In a 31-page petition filed on Friday, the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM) sought to disqualify respondents Matthew Manotoc, Peter Cua, Duterte, Romualdez, and Villar, in the National and Local Elections on May 2025, saying the candidates violate the anti-political dynasty provision of the 1987 Constitution.

“This was the clear intention of the framers of the 1987 Constitution. Ground siya for disqualification, ‘yung being a member of a political dynasty. Kapag pinasa mo sa asawa mo, anak mo, magulang mo, kapatid mo, bawal, sabi ng framers sa Constitution,”  lawyer Alex Lacson, ANIM co-convenor, said. 

(This was the clear intention of the framers of the 1987 Constitution. Being a member of a political dynasty is a ground for disqualification.)

“We are standing on solid grounds…Hindi tayo nagsasayang ng panahon dito. Wala lang nag-file noon so this is the first na kaso na-file on this matter,” Lacson said. 

(We are standing on solid grounds. We are not wasting our time. No one filed such case so this is the first time.)

Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution states that the “State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law”. However, no law has been passed to enact this provision. 

Meanwhile, ANIM said the Duterte family should be disqualified as they have “occupied the position of Mayor of Davao City for a total of 33 years in the last 37 years, and has ruled Davao City continuously in the last 23 years since 2001”.

The former President is running for reelection as Davao City mayor in the 2025 May polls, with his son, Sebastian Duterte, as his running-mate. 

“If they both win, there will be concentration of political power in the hands of members of their family. There will [be a ] monopoloy of political power in the hands of their family,” the petition reads. 

Likewise, the petitioners called for the disqualification of Matthew Manotoc — son of Senator Imee Marcos and nephew of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —  after his family “occupied the position of governor of Ilocos Norte since 1971 and has held it continously for the past 26 years, since 1998” and House Speaker Martin Romualdez — nephew of former First Lady Imelda Marcos — after his family “occupied the position of District Representative of the First District of Leyte since 1995”.

ANIM also wants to disqualify Senator Cynthia Villar, whose family “continuously occupied the position of District Representative of the lone district of Las Piñas for the past 26 years”.

The outgoing senator recently filed her candidacy to run for representative of Las Piñas City's lone district as she seeks to replace her daughter, Rep. Camille Villar, who is joining the Senate race. 

Should the younger Villar wins, she will be joining her brother, incumbent Senator Mark Villar in the Upper Chamber.

Meanwhile, the petitioners said Peter Cua should be disqualified to run for Catanduanes governor as their family “occupied the position for the past nine years, for a total of 15 years in the last 18 years”. Once elected, the aspirant would succeed and replace his brother - incumbent Governor Joseph Cua -  who has reached his maximum three terms as governor. 

“I’m just challenging every Filipino and siguro kapwa Kristiyano kung ano sa palagay natin. Maganda ba yan na i-tolerate natin? Hanggang kelan ‘yan? Ano pang hinihintay natin?” San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, one of the petitioners, said. 

(I’m just challenging every Filipino and Christians on what do we think of this. Is this something we should tolerate?)

In a separate interview, ANIM Co-convenor Bobby Yap said,"The petition filed by ANIM against political dynasties is significant as it addresses long-standing concerns about equitable representation in our political landscape. This legal action could potentially reshape the dynamics of the upcoming 2025 midterm elections by challenging entrenched power structures and promoting a more democratic process."

"We believe it’s crucial for fostering a political environment where diverse voices can be heard, which is essential for a healthy democracy," Yap added.

In April 2022,  a study conducted by GMA News Research after the 2019 elections showed that at least 188 government positions have been held by political dynasties for 20 consecutive years. — BAP, GMA Integrated News