20 October 2024
ANIM Calls on the Public to File Disqualification Cases Against Political Dynasties in Their Areas
The Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM) urges the public to file disqualification cases against the immediate family members of incumbent Representatives, Governors, or Mayors who are running simply to replace their relatives.
”We encourage the public to file separate disqualification cases against political dynasties in their areas. Dynastic politicians can only be disqualified or removed from office if such a case is filed. Without these cases, they remain in power,” said Atty. Alex Lacson, ANIM’s Lead Lawyer for the Anti-Dynasty Campaign.
“We at ANIM are ready to assist the public. They can reach us at anim.samasama@gmail.com, and we can provide a pro-forma Petition for Disqualification for a Congressman, Governor, or Mayor. They simply need to fill in the blanks. We will also provide a step-by-step guide,” added retired Army Capt. Roberto Yap, PMA Class 1982.
ANIM recently filed a disqualification petition on Friday, October 18, 2024, against former President Rodrigo Duterte, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Cynthia Villar, Ilocos Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and Catanduanes Vice Governor Peter Cua.
In the petition filed with the Comelec, ANIM argued that it was the clear intention of the framers of the 1987 Constitution that immediate family members (spouses, children, parents, and siblings) of a “graduating” Congressman, Governor, or Mayor are prohibited from running for the same position to succeed their relatives. This intention is evident in the records of the Constitutional Commission’s deliberations.
ANIM further argued that the constitutional prohibitions against political dynasties are self-executing, particularly concerning the immediate family members of incumbents. The group asserted that all provisions of the Constitution are presumed self-executing, a presumption that should be upheld in case of doubt. This is a long-standing principle in constitutional law, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court en banc in Manila Prince Hotel vs. GSIS (1997) and Tondo Medical Center Employees Association vs. CA (2007).
The lead petitioners include Bishop Colin Bagaforo and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, President and Vice President of Caritas Philippines, respectively, along with retired AFP Major General Reynaldo Reyes and PNP Major General Wilfredo Franco. Other petitioners include Brigadier General Noel Delos Reyes (PNP), Col. Guillermo Cunanan (PA), and Capt. Roberto Yap (PA).
These individuals, all members of ANIM, represent a multisectoral coalition of organizations from six sectors, led by retired military and police officers, faith-based leaders, and other civic leaders.
ANIM focuses on three core issues: corruption, polytical dynasties, and electoral reforms.
Bishop Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines, stated: “Political dynasties have turned politics into a family business, using government resources for personal enrichment rather than public service.
Bishop Gerry Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos added: “Many politicians seem to have lost their sense of propriety. With the proliferation of political dynasties in the country—blatant violations of the Constitution—checks and balances are eroded, corruption worsens, and societal problems remain unsolved. It is no wonder true and lasting reform remains elusive.”
Contact Persions:
Capt. Roberto Yap
0917 830 0888
Atty. Alex Lacson
0917 808 7967
18 October 2024
An important update, from the organization ANIM.
Today, at 11 a.m. October 18th of the year 2024 marks the day when the Alyansa ng Nagakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM) will submit a disqualification plea to COMELEC against some figures embodying the essence of dynasties we strive to oppose.
- Rodrigo Roa Duterte - Davao
- Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc - Ilocos
- Speaker Martin Gomez Romualdez - Leyte
- Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar - Las Pinas
- Vice- Gov Peter C Cua - Catanduanes
We're asking for your help to get the message out and demonstrate that ANIM is serious, about this issue. We need to make it clear that we won't back candidates who openly support dynasties anymore.
This is the moment we've been waiting for. We can't just watch as these individuals dictate the future of our nation longer. It's our turn to break free, from our routines and become catalyst, for transformation. The control lies in our hands; the moment to make a difference is now upon us!
Lets come together to support change! Spread the word. Join ANIM as we move forward with a step tomorrow.
In order to create a brighter tomorrow.
Bobby Yap
Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan [ANIM]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 August 2024
MULTISECTORAL COALITION LAUNCHED VS. POLITICAL DYNASTIES, CORRUPTION, AND ELECTORAL FRAUD
SAN JUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES – Six major sectors of Philippine society signed an agreement today to launch a non-partisan, multisectoral movement at the Kalayaan Hall of historic Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City. Known as ANIM (Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan), the broad coalition is composed of retired military and uniformed personnel; faith-based communities and the clergy; women’s groups; youth organizations; business and professional groups; people’s organizations and civil society.
ANIM aims to build the largest coalition capable of collaboratively addressing the three major issues of corruption, political dynasties, and systemic electoral fraud. It will forge alliances and partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals in every local government unit or LGU throughout the country.
In his opening remarks, ANIM Chairman Edilberto Adan, a retired general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said: “ANIM envisions a Philippines governed by a system that promotes inclusive national development anchored on truth, integrity, meritocracy, good governance, social justice, and national security.”
Keynote speakers at the ANIM launch were Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong; Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines; former COMELEC Commissioner and NAMFREL Chairman Augusto Lagman; and lawyer Alexander Lacson, an author of patriotic books. Bishop Gerry Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos gave the invocation and closing remarks, while former Defense Secretary and AFP Chief of Staff General Renato de Villa led the call to action.
Former Land Transportation Office chief Colonel Mariano Santiago presented the ANIM manifesto signed by dozens of supporting organizations, which, in turn, were introduced by former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, who emceed the launch event.
For more information about ANIM, visit its website www.animph.org and its Facebook page ANIM: Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan.
Media Inquiries:
Edwin Fernandez
0918 9420641