FFW PRESS STATEMENT
Ref Atty. Sonny Matula
FFW President
09289352782
Labor lawyer and FFW President Sonny Matula called on the Supreme Court to hear and decisively rule on the 1Sambayan petition led by former SC Justice Antonio, which seeks to compel Congress to enact an enabling law banning political dynasties, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.
The urgency comes in light of the results of the 2025 elections, where the 20th Congress, particularly the Senate, is poised to include members from four political dynasties—the Villars, Cayetanos, Estrada-Ejercito brothers, and the Tulfos—making up one-third of the upper chamber.
Matula stressed that for 38 years, Congress has failed to fulfill its constitutional duty under Article II, Section 26, which mandates the State to “prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” He noted that while Congress continues to dodge the issue, it acted in other bodies not involving their congressional interest —the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law includes an anti-dynasty provision, and the Bangsamoro Parliament has formally banned political dynasties in its own electoral code.
“This proves that when lawmakers aren’t protecting their own interests, anti-dynasty measures can be passed,” Matula said. “But in Congress, the conflict of interest is too deeply rooted. The Supreme Court must act.”
Matula confirmed that two lawyers from the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) are finalizing a motion for intervention on behalf of the FFW and other labor groups to participate in the petition. The draft is expected to be completed and filed next week.
In closing, Matula stated:
“When the Supreme Court tells Congress to pass an anti-dynasty law, it’s not a violation of the separation of powers—and it’s definitely not power-tripping. It’s a constitutional reality check: real power lies in the supremacy of the Constitution, not in anyone’s family tree,” Matula opined
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