The Supreme Court building in Padre Faura, Manila on August 24, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- A group of lawyers filed a petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court to compel Congress to enact a law which prohibits political dynasties among elected government officials.

Led by former Philippine Bar Association president Rico Domingo, the group also includes lawyers Wilfredo Trinidad, Jorge Cabildo and Ceasar Oracion.

The group stressed that the 1987 Constitution mandates that Congress should enact a law prohibiting political dynasties.

“The petition brings to the attention of the high court what it characterizes as a “monumental omission, a deplorable and egregious neglect of Congress to perform an express duty,” the group said in a statement.

The group said that while an anti-political dynasty law has yet to be passed by Congress, political dynasties continue to proliferate in the country.

They said the Supreme Court can and should issue a writ of mandamus to compel Congress to perform its duty.

“While there had been well-meaning efforts by some conscientious legislators, records of Congress do not show that any bill defining and prohibiting political dynasties had been passed into law,” the group said.

While there is no specific law against political dynasties, under Republic Act No. 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, candidates are prohibited to run if they relatives up to the second civil degree who are incumbent elected officials.

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-- House lawmakers reject SC petition --

House lawmakers on Wednesday rejected the bid.

"We have a provision under the 1987 Constitution which states that the State shall guarantee equal opportunities for public services and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law," Ako Bicol Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said. 

"I don't think a group of individuals, or even a group of lawyers can ask the Supreme Court to compel us … It is incumbent upon the members of the legislative body to pass a law with respect to the political dynasty provision," he added.

Bongalon would first like to see how the anti-political dynasty provision in a bill reforming the Sangguniang Kabataan plays out.

"I think the Filipino people can properly decide who and who are not  incapable of doing that job. And let's not forget we always put ourselves through a referendum when we seek reelection," House Deputy Speaker David Suarez said. "We've seen dynasties come and go in Philippine history and Philippine politics." -- With a report from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News