DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 June 2026) – The Davao City launch of the Dapat Isa Lang Movement (D1LM), a nationwide people’s initiative to pass a genuine anti-political dynasty law in the country, was held here Tuesday, aimed at gathering at least 7 million signatures nationwide, including 110,000 signatures from the city’s three districts, by October 15. The launch was held at the Arrupe Hall of the Ateneo de Davao University, with students lining up as first signatories.
The nationwide D1LM was launched in May by convenors led by retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Tirol and former Elections Commissioner Luie Guia. The movement proposes a “genuine anti-political dynasty bill” that restricts political families to only one elected official in a national position and one in a local position; bans relatives up to the fourth civil degree—including spouses, children, parents, siblings, and cousins—from simultaneously holding office; and imposes a one-term cooling-off period for family members wanting to immediately succeed an incumbent relative.
Organizers aim to collect 7 million signatures, representing at least 10% of registered voters nationwide, by October 15, to push for a referendum in the first half of 2027, hoping that “dynasties will be limited by the 2028 elections.” Miguel Karlo Abadines, Executive Director of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), the National Secretariat of D1LM, said the movement comprises “people and organizations tired of corruption and poverty brought about by political dynasties.”
Participants also lit a “flame of democracy” as a symbolic pledge that power belongs to the people, not dynasties.
Political dynasties are constitutionally prohibited under Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, but Congress has failed to pass an enabling law in four decades. On June 3, the House passed HB 8389, the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, but critics call it a “pro-dynasty” bill as it allows succession, rotation, and switching after term limits. In contrast, Senate Bill 1901 imposes stricter prohibitions on relatives holding office.
Abadines noted that 83% of the House, 75% of Senators, 87% of governors, and 75% of city mayors belong to political dynasties. In Mindanao, 23 of 28 provinces are ruled by political families, weakening accountability.
In Davao City, seven Dutertes hold public office, including Vice President Sara Duterte, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and several relatives in congressional and local posts.
D1LM organizers framed the campaign as a call to reclaim public office as a public trust. Rhodalie Emilio of ADDU’s Political Science Department emphasized that the movement seeks to transform structures perpetuating inequality.
The campaign has also launched in Zamboanga and Surigao. For details, visit Dapat Isa Lang Davao City’s Facebook page. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)
