‘DAPAT ISA LANG’: 11 groups urge Filipinos to sign anti-dynasty people’s initiative

Eleven business, legal, civic, and church-based organizations have urged Filipinos to sign the Dapat Isa Lang People’s Initiative, a citizen-led push to enact an anti-political dynasty law.

In a joint statement dated Nov. 4, the groups asked the public to visit d1l.org, read the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, and sign the petition.

“For nearly four decades, Congress has failed to fulfill the constitutional mandate against political dynasties. Enough waiting. It is time for citizens and communities across the country to act together,” the statement read.

Signatories include the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

Supreme Court ruling

The groups based their appeal on the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling of Aug. 26, which was made public on Sept. 16.

The Court held that Congress has a mandatory duty to enact an anti-political dynasty law, the statement said.

The Court also found that 39 years of inaction amounted to grave abuse of discretion, and it directed lawmakers to move with utmost urgency.

“The message was clear: this constitutional command cannot be set aside forever,” the groups said.

Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

The ruling resolved petitions (Kapatiran Party v. Congress of the Philippines, 2026) that asked the Court to compel Congress to act on the provision.

Why political dynasties hurt the country

Political dynasties “do more than put relatives in office; they turn power into family control,” the groups said.

The statement said that when a few families dominate politics, voters have fewer real choices, accountability weakens, and new leaders struggle to break through.

“And when connections seem to matter more than merit, public confidence and investor trust suffer too,” it added.

The groups called the issue “a question of justice, democracy, and equal opportunity.”

They said poverty and unequal access keep too many Filipinos from getting a fair chance, and that entrenched power shapes who receives resources, who is heard, and who is left behind.

“A fairer politics rewards ability, effort, and service—not family name,” the statement read. 

Every legislative district counts

Under Republic Act No. 6735, a people’s initiative to enact national legislation must obtain signatures from at least 10% of registered voters nationwide and at least 3% of registered voters in every legislative district.

Both requirements must be met.

“Reaching the nationwide target is not enough when even one legislative district falls short. No area can be overlooked. A large national total cannot cure a local shortfall,” the groups said.

The Dapat Isa Lang Movement has said it aims to gather at least seven million signatures, or 10% of the country’s registered voters.

How Filipinos can act

The coalition called on civic organizations, business groups, professional associations, faith communities, academic institutions, youth groups, labor organizations, sectoral formations, and citizens to help bring the effort to every community.

It urged supporters to share the petition, talk to their neighbors, and organize signature drives in barangays, schools, workplaces, churches, and community spaces.

The groups also asked the public to reach families and friends, especially where the signature drive must still grow.

“Read the proposed measure, then take part in the way the law provides,” the statement read.

“The promise of equal access to public service will not fulfill itself. Citizens need to show up, sign, and help others understand what is at stake,” the groups said.

They asked the public to visit d1l.org, sign the petition, and ask others to do the same.

“Help your district meet the mark. Every district counts,” the statement read.

The statement closed with the line: “Public office is a public trust—not family property.”

The campaign is led by retired SC justice Antonio Carpio, Fr. Roberto Reyes, Attys. Eirene Aguila, Alex Lacson and Alexander Cabrera, Miguel Karlo Abadines and ex-Comelec commissioner Luie Tito Guia.

The People’s Initiative Coalition Against Dynasty (PICAD), through its Dapat Isa Lang initiative, launched a digital signature platform on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

In Iloilo, the “Dapat Isa Lang” movement, led by the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), began its local signature drive in Iloilo City on the same day.

The joint statement was signed by the following groups:

1. Justice Reform Initiative (JRI)
2. Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines (ELAP)
3. FEU Public Policy Center Foundation, Inc.
4. Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX)
5. Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
6. Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc.
7. Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
8. Move As One Coalition
9. Movement for Restoration of Peace & Order (MRPO)
10. Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)
11. Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL)