Senators push for passage of 'long overdue' anti-political dynasty law

Senators pushed for the passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law during a public hearing conducted by the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation on Wednesday.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the committee, stressed the need for the passage of the Kontra Dinastiya Bill, adding that it is long overdue, noting that the prohibition of political dynasties has been expressly mandated by the 1987 Constitution.

“Nearly 40 years is a long time - too long. This decades-old duty and obligation of Congress should no longer be ignored or delayed. Our urgent collective duty is to breathe life, already, into this long-dormant constitutional mechanism for equal access to public service. Our committee hearing today will no longer be a discussion of ifs and whys, but hows,” the senator said.

Hontiveros said political dynasties weaken the country’s checks and balances and accountability – especially in the management of public funds. She said major national issues, including multi-billion peso flood control scams, persistent poverty, and election-related violence, had been fueled and exacerbated by entrenched political dynasties.

Hontiveros identified four critical issues that need to be addressed in the bill: the degree, scope, timing, and manner of enforcement of the proposed prohibitions.

She said the country needs a practical and consensus-driven Kontra Dinastiya Law that fulfills the constitutional mandate, addresses stakeholder concerns, promotes the welfare of voters, and is ready for implementation on the ground.

“Enough with the delays and maneuvering. With the support of those present today and of Filipinos who are tired of seeing the same names in politics, let us finally pass the Kontra Dinastiya Bill,” Hontiveros stresed.

Senator Erwin Tulfo also expressed support for the passage of the bill.

Tulfo said the intent of an anti-political dynasty law is not to single out families, but to strengthen the country’s democracy, level the playing field, and ensure that leadership remains open to merit, competence, and genuine service, rather than name or lineage.

"The public office is not a family inheritance. It is a public trust. If this body in its wisdom determines that such a law is necessary to advance these principles, we will respect it. More than that, we will comply with it. No individual, no family, no institution should be above the law,” Tulfo stressed.

He said the discussion should focus on the kind of political system the country wants to leave to the future generations – one that encourages fresh leadership, accountability, and equal opportunity for all Filipinos who want to serve the country.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said the Anti-Dynasty law will provide an opening to those who are capable and have a genuine heart for public service, giving space for “new blood” to address the age-old problems not only of the country, but of the world.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito underscored the need for an in-depth study of the proposed anti-political dynasty measure, warning that implementation issues could arise if it is not carefully crafted.

Ejercito said that while the ban on political dynasties has worked at the Sangguniang Kabataan level, there have been barangays—particularly in smaller municipalities—where elections struggled to produce candidates because many residents are related to one another.

-Paraluman News