Pasig councilor vows to quit politics if anti-dynasty law passes

Pasig City Councilor Simon Romulo Tantoco, a nephew of Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, drew praise from fellow councilors after declaring he would not seek elective office should the proposed Anti-Dynasty Bill be enacted into law.

Tantoco made the statement following a resolution filed by Councilor Volta delos Santos urging both chambers of Congress to fast-track the passage of House Bill 6771, which seeks to prohibit political dynasties.

"I am related to Congressman Romulo by third degree. So if there is anyone who might be affected here in the Council, it depends on the version Congress passes if ever they will do, I may potentially be hit,” Tantoco said.

"But let us always keep in mind that we entered politics with the mindset that our loyalty is not to a single family, nor to a single party. But our loyalty should belong to the City of Pasig and, above all, to our country," the second-term councilor added.

Tantoco is the son of socialite Mons Romulo, sister of Roman Romulo, and a member of the prominent Tantoco family, which owns Rustan’s department store chain. He is also the grandson of former foreign affairs secretary and senator Alberto Romulo and the great-grandson of diplomat and statesman Carlos P. Romulo.

Elected as councilor for Pasig’s 1st District in 2022, Tantoco was re-elected in the May 2025 polls.

"In the future, should a law be passed that directly affects me, I am willing to forgo my career in public service and my personal ambitions for the sake of the Filipino people," he said.

His remarks were met with applause from fellow councilors, guests, and members of the public inside the session hall. Several other councilors later echoed similar positions, including those with relatives currently holding or having previously held elective posts.

Political dynasties have long been a sensitive issue in Pasig City, which was governed for nearly three decades by the Eusebio family. Power rotated among family members, beginning with Vicente Eusebio, followed by his wife Soledad, their son Bobby, his wife Maribel, and Bobby’s brother Ricky, who once served as congressman.

That era ended in 2019 when Mayor Vico Sotto defeated the Eusebios. Sotto has since pledged not to run for office if a relative is also seeking a city post.

Speculation has also emerged ahead of the 2028 elections, with rumors suggesting a possible mayoral contest between Sotto allies, Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski and Rep. Roman Romulo. Political observers note that a divided electorate could open the door for the Eusebios’ political comeback, given their still-solid support base.