Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said a clear definition of the term “political dynasty” is crucial to avoid ambiguities that could lead to loopholes or legal challenges, adding that it would make passing an anti-dynasty measure much easier.

“Pag-uusapan naman mabuti. Ang importante kasi kanina sabi ng Presidente, as we agreed, was, define muna natin ano ang political dynasty. Dun muna define natin. Kung na-define natin yan, madali na yan,” Sotto said.

On Tuesday, Sotto and other congressional leaders from both chambers met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, where the administration identified priority legislative measures.

Marcos called on Congress to fast-track key reforms, including the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act, the Party-List System Reform Act, and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act.

Several versions of anti-dynasty bills are pending in both houses of Congress.

Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill 1548 or the Kontra Dinastiya Act, which seeks to ban political dynasties by restricting spouses and relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity of incumbent officials from running for or holding public office. The restriction also applies to the party-list system to ensure leadership is based on merit rather than family ties.

Senator Francis Pangilinan also filed a version limiting the degree of relation among relatives seeking office. His proposed measure, titled “An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties, Providing Penalties Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” seeks to ban individuals related within the second degree from simultaneously holding or running for office. Pangilinan said the proposal aims to “level the playing field” and prevent political power from remaining concentrated among powerful families.

Good signal

Senator Bam Aquino acknowledged the difficulty of passing the measure, but said Malacañang’s support could significantly improve its chances.

“Well, honestly, bago 'yung balita kahapon, I would have said, ‘Baka mahirap talaga.’ Even though nag-file din kami ng sarili naming version ng anti-political dynasty bill,” Aquino said.

“But coming from yesterday's pronouncements na suportado ito ng Malacañang, we're hoping that can be a good signal for all of the legislators na isulong ito, itulak ito at ipasa na ito at the soonest possible time,” he added.

Aquino said that while certifying the measure as urgent could bypass the three-day rule, it may not yet be necessary. He noted that hearings will begin early next year under the committee chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Aquino clarified that his own bill covers up to the third degree of consanguinity, including parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and nephews.

“May mga naka-file ng fourth, may naka-file ng third. In the past, may nag-file rin ng second. Obviously isa ito sa mga pagdedebatehan. Pero siguro para sa akin magandang starting point na muna iyong third,” he said.

Recognizing the political landscape, Aquino admitted, “Kahit ako, di ba? I belong to a political family as well,” underscoring the challenges of advancing the measure in a Congress dominated by political clans.