Supreme Court orders anti-dynasty law as Philippines marks Martial Law anniversary with cultural tributes

Marking the 45th day since Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law, cultural works such as the film "Edjop," the book "Difficult: The Life and Times of Etta Rosales" and the play "Subversive Lives" reflected on the period’s enduring memory. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ordered Congress to enact an anti-political-dynasty statute, warning that failure to legislate would constitute constitutional abdication. The ruling highlights the persistent dominance of family clans, evident in the recent Bangsamoro Autonomous Region parliamentary elections where members of the Murad, Hataman, Mangudadatu and Ampatuan families secured seats.

Meanwhile, former Speaker Martin Romualdez was detained on plunder charges, and the Villar family faces graft complaints, adding to the political turbulence surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. The article concludes with a tribute to journalist Eggie Apostol, who passed away last week.