Sotto favors anti-dynasty bill, but cites clarity

Returning Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Thursday he supports outlawing political dynasties but stressed the need for a clear definition to avoid misinterpretations.

“We need a proper definition of it, otherwise we will disfranchise some people and favor others. So, it needs to be clear. I agree with that as long as it is defined properly,” Sotto said, referring to potential issues such as illegitimate children of sitting government officials seeking public office.

Sotto also argued that any anti-dynasty legislation should apply to both local and national positions.

Critics argue that political dynasties weaken government checks and balances and violate the constitutional mandate for equal access to public service.

Despite constitutional provisions against political dynasties, Congress, the body responsible for enacting laws, is itself dominated by them.

To recall, Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel filed an anti-dynasty bill in the 19th Congress in July 2022, but it did not advance from the committee level. Similar bills filed in the 18th Congress also failed to progress.

Meantime, Akbayan party-list, which is set to gain seats in the 20th Congress, announced plans to file a bill prohibiting families engaged in politics from successive terms, citing the dominance of dynasties as evidenced by recent elections.