For Senator Lito Lapid, supporting the anti-dynasty law will provide new generations the chance to run for office; political bloodlines of varying ages currently dominate a space, he says.

“I vote for that, to give other young people the opportunity to run for office because there are many talented young people who want to win but can’t because they don’t have money, they don’t have a leader,” Lapid said Wednesday afternoon.

“Let us give them (youth) a chance,” he continued.

Lapid, regarded as a seasoned senator after serving three nonconsecutive terms since 2004, also acknowledged that many officials will likely oppose the measure.

“We expect that there will be many objections. I don’t know if it will pass, but hopefully it will,” he shared.

Asked about other officials who belong to political dynasties, he emphasized that long-entrenched clans should not prevent others from serving.

“I am in favor of the [anti]-political dynasty [bill] not because it is my last term, that’s not it. I have children and grandchildren who can follow suit, but whatever, whatever the law says, that’s all we have,” he explained.

Uphill battle for the bill

In a legislature led essentially by political dynasties, the anti-dynasty bill has long faced an uphill fight despite repeated efforts.

In the 17th Congress, Senator Kiko Pangilinan sponsored the measure with Senator Risa Hontiveros as co-sponsor. They were joined by Senator Bam Aquino and former Senator Leila de Lima in pushing for the reform.