Palace on anti-political dynasty bill: 'Define what it is first'

Malacañang on Friday urged lawmakers to clearly define the term “political dynasty” in the proposed anti-dynasty bill before expecting any official position from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

"I-define muna nila kung ano ba yung political dynasty dahil hindi naman po makakapagsang-ayon ang Pangulo, hindi naman po makakaayaw ang Pangulo kung pa po nababalangkas ng buo itong bill na ito (They should first define what a political dynasty is, because the President cannot approve or reject the bill if it is not yet fully drafted),” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro told reporters when asked if Marcos would support the renewed call for the legislation of the proposed measure.

Castro clarified that Marcos will carefully review the bill once it is complete and has undergone the proper legislative process.

“Kailangan natin malaman kung ano ang mga provisions nito (We need to know first what its provisions are),” she said.

Earlier this week, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan refiled a proposed measure aimed at prohibiting political dynasties in the country.

He argued that the issue of entrenched family rule in politics had long been enshrined in the Constitution but had never been translated into law.

Pangilinan also said the bill is intended to “level the playing field” in politics, strengthen democratic processes, and ensure that political power does not remain concentrated among a privileged few.

“Political power and public service must never be treated as a birthright. But without an enabling law, our democracy has been hijacked by dynasties,” he said.

He added that “leadership should be earned, not inherited.”

The proposed measure, entitled An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes, seeks to bar spouses and relatives within the second degree of an incumbent elected official from running for any position at both the national and local levels — barangay captain, mayor, governor, district representative, and party-list nominee included — while a relative is in office.

The bill allows any citizen to file a verified petition with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to cancel the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of any candidate found violating the proposed law.

“Our Constitution is clear — political dynasties must be prohibited,” Pangilinan said. “This bill is about restoring balance, opening doors for new leaders, and upholding the promise of democracy.”

The bill is currently awaiting its number and referral to the appropriate Senate committee.