BAN NOT IMPLEMENTED. The SC dismissed a petition asking Comelec to bar political dynasties from participating in the 2013 elections.

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court affirmed on Tuesday, January 8, its earlier dismissal of a petition that asked the Commission on Elections to implement the constitutional provision against political dynasties.

SC acting spokeswoman Victoria Gleoresty Guerra said the SC junked the motion for reconsideration filed by businessman Louis Biraogo on its decision in a petition he filed in October 2012.

Biraogo asked the High Court in 2012 to compel Comelec in enforcing Sec. 26, Art. II of the 1987 Constitution, which states that "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

Biraogo said that even if Congress has yet to pass a law defining political dynasties, the Comelec has the "ministerial" duty to implement the said constitutional prohibition.

He cited the Aquinos (President Benigno Aquino III's cousin Bam is running for senator), the Binays (vice president Jejomar Binay's 3 children are seeking elective posts) and the Pacquiaos (the wife of incumbent Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao, Jinkee is vying for the vice gubernatorial post in Sarangani) as political dynasties, among others.

The SC has yet to release a copy of its earlier decision as well as its January 8, 2013 resolution rejecting Biraogo's appeal. - Rappler.com