Coalition launches digital drive to push anti-dynasty legislation

The Dapat Isa Lang Coalition unveiled an online signature platform at d1l.org to rally support for a comprehensive anti-political dynasty law. The proposed legislation would restrict families to a single member in national office and one in local office, extending the ban to relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity. Coalition lawyer Eirene Aguila stressed that Filipino political families often include uncles, aunts, cousins and even common-law partners, necessitating the broader scope.

The campaign targets at least seven million signatures, about ten percent of the electorate, following a Supreme Court directive that Congress’s 39-year inaction constitutes grave abuse of discretion. Retired Justice Antonio Carpio warned the coalition would seek further judicial recourse if Congress passes one outlet bill, which was authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and limits relatives only to the second degree. Marcos indicated the bill remains open to amendment during the bicameral conference committee’s deliberations.