THE Movement against Dynasties (MAD) aims to end political dynasty rampant in the country.
MAD is a civil society group that will urge the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to enforce the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties.
"This will be the beginning of the end of political dynasties in the Philippines," read the press statement of MAD chairman Quintin San Diego.
San Diego said now is the right time to act on the political dynasties which keeps the country in bondage.
The group directly targets the families of President Benigno Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, former President Joseph Estrada, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Manuel Villar, the children of the late Senator Renato Cayetano, and local politicians who have controlled provincial and municipal politics for generations.
Several lawmakers both in Senate and the House of the Representatives tried to introduce legislation, which could enforce the constitutional ban on political dynasties but the plans never passed beyond first reading because of the opposition from the dynasties.
San Diego said MAD will ask the Comelec to introduce legislation in Congress that would enable Article II, Section 26, of the Constitution -- the prohibition on political dynasties.
The constitutional provision reads, "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law." Despite this provision, some big families are controlling the political arena of the Philippines.
"There is [an] overwhelming clamor [from] the people that our country should no longer be held in bondage by a few dynasties," San Diego said.
He said few politicians should not be allowed to continue controlling most aspects of the Filipinos' democratic life by completely ignoring the constitutional ban on political dynasties.
"We have had enough. We are angry at this system being implemented by a few families," San Diego added.